Embracing Our Identity and Inheritance in Christ
Summary
In the exploration of spiritual blessings in Christ, the message delves into the profound transformation that occurs when individuals embrace the grace of God. This grace, as articulated in the letter to the Ephesians, is a transformative power that redefines identity, purpose, and the very essence of life. The message begins by addressing a common human struggle: the quest for identity. In a world where roles and titles are transient and can be stripped away, the message points to a more enduring source of identity found in the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us in Christ.
The foundation of this identity is rooted in the divine plan that God has laid out from eternity. This plan, as revealed through the Apostle Paul's writings, is to unify all things under Christ, both in heaven and on earth. This unification is not limited to a select group but is inclusive of all humanity, as God's intention has always been to create a vast family of restored human beings, unified in Jesus the Messiah. The message emphasizes that this divine purpose became evident when the Jews were first incorporated into God's family and later extended to the Gentiles through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The message further explores the concept of the Trinity, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, as a perfect harmony of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together to bring those once alienated from God into a relationship as beloved children. The speaker encourages individuals to personally engage with the scriptures, highlighting the importance of recognizing and internalizing the spiritual blessings that have been granted in Christ. These blessings include being chosen to be holy and blameless, adopted as children of God, and recipients of God's glorious grace.
The message also touches upon the significance of inheritance in the Christian life. An inheritance from God, unlike earthly inheritances, is incalculable and invaluable. It is not to be squandered but to be used as a foundation for living a life that praises God's glory. The speaker urges the audience to make a conscious choice to live in response to the spiritual inheritance received in Christ, devoting oneself to the praise of God's glory.
The message concludes with a call to embrace the identity and blessings that come with being in Christ. It is a reminder that one's worth and value are not determined by worldly standards but by the spiritual reality of being a child of God, a disciple of Jesus, and part of a community of faith. The speaker prays for the congregation to have an unshakable faith in their identity in Christ and to live with gratitude for the spiritual blessings received.
Key Takeaways:
- Our identity in Christ is not something we earn; it is a gift from God that we are called to believe, receive, and live out with confidence. This identity is rooted in the spiritual blessings that include being chosen, adopted, and loved by God before the foundation of the world. This profound truth provides an unshakable foundation for our self-worth and purpose in life. [15:04]
- The unity of all things under Christ is a central theme of God's divine plan, which encompasses both Jews and Gentiles. This unity is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality that should manifest in the way we relate to one another as members of God's diverse and multi-ethnic family. The church is called to embody this unity and live out the implications of being one in Christ. [18:17]
- The Trinity, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is a model of perfect harmony and collaboration. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together to bring about our salvation and adoption into God's family. This divine partnership is a blueprint for how we, as believers, should work together in unity and purpose. [19:36]
- Inheritance in Christ is not only about what we receive but also about how we choose to live in response to that gift. We are called to steward our spiritual inheritance wisely, using it to glorify God and further His kingdom. This inheritance is a call to a life of purpose, lived in the light of God's grace and generosity. [23:22]
- The message of Ephesians is a celebration of grace and power within a united church. As we delve into this epistle, we are reminded of the richness of the gospel and its power to transform lives and communities. The church is encouraged to study and internalize the truths of Ephesians, allowing it to shape our understanding of God's will and our role within His grand narrative. [08:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:1-14
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:3-4, what are some of the spiritual blessings we receive in Christ?
2. How does Paul describe our identity in Christ in Ephesians 1:5-6?
3. What does Paul say about the purpose of God's plan in Ephesians 1:10?
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of our inheritance in Christ? [23:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "chosen to be holy and blameless" before God, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:4? How does this shape our understanding of our identity in Christ?
2. How does the concept of adoption in Ephesians 1:5-6 enhance our understanding of God's love and grace towards us? [15:55]
3. In what ways does the unity of all things under Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:10, challenge our current understanding of the church and its mission? [18:17]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of the Trinity in our salvation and adoption into God's family? [19:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How do you currently define your identity? How does knowing you are chosen, adopted, and loved by God before the foundation of the world change your self-perception? [15:04]
2. The sermon emphasizes the unity of all things under Christ. How can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community, especially among diverse groups? [18:17]
3. The Trinity is a model of perfect harmony and collaboration. How can you apply this model of unity and purpose in your relationships and work within the church? [19:36]
4. Consider the spiritual inheritance you have received in Christ. What are some practical ways you can steward this inheritance to glorify God and further His kingdom? [23:22]
5. The sermon calls us to live for the praise of God's glory. What specific steps can you take this week to live in a way that reflects your gratitude for the spiritual blessings you have received in Christ? [24:07]
6. Think about a time when you felt your worth was determined by worldly standards. How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ during such moments? [25:47]
7. The sermon encourages us to have an unshakable faith in our identity in Christ. What are some practical ways you can strengthen your faith and trust in God's promises this week? [26:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Gifted Identity
In Christ, one's identity transcends the fleeting titles and roles often pursued in life. This identity is a divine gift, not earned by deeds or status, but graciously given by God. Believers are chosen to be holy and blameless before the foundation of the world, a truth that reshapes the understanding of self-worth and purpose. This identity as God's beloved is meant to be believed, received, and lived out with confidence. It is a call to view oneself and others through the lens of God's unconditional love and purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and significance that is unshakable by worldly measures.
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will." (Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as chosen and loved by God before the creation of the world change the way you view yourself and your interactions with others today? [07:40]
Day 2: Unity in Diversity Under Christ
God's divine plan encompasses the unity of all things under Christ, a theme that extends beyond theological discourse into the practical realm of relationships. This unity is not exclusive but inclusive, bringing together Jews and Gentiles into one family. The church is called to reflect this unity, embracing diversity and fostering a community where every member is valued and connected. This lived reality of unity in Christ challenges believers to break down barriers and build bridges, demonstrating the power of the gospel to unite people from all walks of life in love and mutual respect.
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (Ephesians 2:14 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within the diverse body of Christ in your local church community? [18:17]
Day 3: Divine Harmony in the Trinity
The Trinity, though not explicitly named in the Bible, exemplifies perfect harmony and collaboration. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in unison to bring about salvation and adoption into God's family. This divine partnership serves as a model for believers, who are called to work together in unity and purpose. Understanding the collaborative nature of the Trinity can inspire a deeper commitment to community, service, and the collective mission of the church, reflecting the harmonious relationship within the Godhead.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV)
Reflection: How can the harmonious relationship of the Trinity inspire you to seek deeper unity and collaboration with fellow believers in your spiritual journey? [19:36]
Day 4: Living Out Our Inheritance
The inheritance believers receive in Christ is not merely a future promise but a present reality that shapes how one lives. This spiritual inheritance is a call to stewardship, to use the gifts and blessings from God to glorify Him and advance His kingdom. It is an incalculable treasure that informs daily decisions, attitudes, and actions, encouraging a life of purpose and praise. This inheritance is not to be squandered but to be used as a foundation for a life that reflects God's grace and generosity.
"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." (Ephesians 1:11 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can steward your spiritual inheritance today to glorify God and impact those around you? [23:22]
Day 5: Celebrating Grace Within the United Church
The message of Ephesians is a celebration of the grace and power available to a united church. As believers delve into this epistle, they are reminded of the richness of the gospel and its transformative impact on lives and communities. The church is encouraged to study and internalize the truths of Ephesians, allowing it to shape their understanding of God's will and their role within His grand narrative. This celebration of grace calls for a response of gratitude, study, and application, as the church lives out the gospel in unity and purpose.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him." (Ephesians 1:17 ESV)
Reflection: How can the truths of Ephesians shape your understanding of God's will for your life and your role in the church's mission? [08:13]
Quotes
1) "God has blessed, chosen, adopted, and bestowed glorious Grace upon you. Wow, who are you? You are a blessed, chosen child of God and the beneficiary of God's glorious Grace." [21:52] (Download)
2) "In Christ, you are beloved, redeemed, forgiven, and the recipient of a great inheritance. An inheritance from God is invaluable and incalculable, and it shapes how we choose to live." [22:42] (Download)
3) "God in Christ has given us this invaluable, incalculable inheritance so that we, as God's Own people, might live for the praise of God's glory." [23:22] (Download)
4) "The truly amazing thing about our identity in Christ is we don't earn it; it's offered to us as a gift, and our task is simply to believe it, receive it, and live as though it were true." [24:55] (Download)
5) "You can be a child of God, a disciple of Jesus, and part of a Community of Faith where people live for the praise of God's glory. Those are things we can build on, rely on, depend on." [24:07] (Download)
6) "God's purpose is to unify all things in heaven and on Earth all under Christ, a huge family of restored human beings who are unified in Jesus the Messiah." [18:17] (Download)
7) "The three persons we call the Trinity are working in Perfect Harmony to make it possible for people who formerly were alienated from God to be transformed into God's beloved children." [19:36] (Download)
8) "The spiritual blessings we receive in Christ establish our unshakable identity as beloved children of God. That's who we are." [05:36] (Download)
9) "God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of his will." [06:30] (Download)
10) "Ephesians is a celebration of the grace and power of God in a United Church. It's a reminder of the richness of the gospel and its power to transform lives and communities." [08:13] (Download)
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