Embracing Spiritual Blessings and Community in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Chosen and Adopted into God’s Family

God, in His great love, has chosen each of us to be part of His family, not because of anything we have done, but because of His purpose and grace. This adoption is not exclusive or limited; it is an open invitation to all people, regardless of background or past, to become His children and bear His image in the world. We are called to embrace this identity, knowing that God’s plan from the very beginning was to include us, and that our belonging is secure in His love. This truth should fill us with gratitude and confidence as we approach God in prayer, recognizing that we are welcomed and wanted by Him. [34:38]

Ephesians 1:3-6 (ESV)
"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, 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, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to believe that you are truly chosen and wanted by God? How might embracing your adoption into His family change the way you pray or see yourself today?

Day 2: Redemption, Forgiveness, and the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been redeemed—bought back from sin and given forgiveness, not because we earned it, but because of God’s lavish grace. This redemption is not just a past event; it is a present reality, marked by the gift of the Holy Spirit who seals us as God’s own and guarantees our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is both our assurance of belonging and our guide as we live out our faith, reminding us of the hope and future we have in Christ. [29:04]

Ephesians 1:7-14 (ESV)
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 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, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How does knowing you are redeemed and sealed by the Holy Spirit affect your sense of security and hope today? Is there an area of your life where you need to remember God’s forgiveness and presence?

Day 3: Praying for Each Other’s Growth and Wisdom

Paul models a prayer that goes beyond personal needs, focusing on asking God to give others wisdom, revelation, and a deeper knowledge of Him. This kind of prayer is rooted in gratitude for the faith and love of others, and it seeks the spiritual growth of the whole community. When we pray for each other in this way, we participate in God’s work of building up His family, and we help one another to see and understand the riches of our inheritance in Christ. [44:27]

Ephesians 1:15-18 (ESV)
"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 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, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally pray for today, asking God to give them wisdom and a deeper understanding of His love? How might you let them know you are praying for their spiritual growth?

Day 4: The Power of God at Work in Us

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in every believer, giving us hope and strength to face any circumstance. This power is not just for extraordinary moments but is available to us daily, enabling us to live with courage, endure hardship, and glorify God in our relationships and challenges. When we truly grasp this, our perspective on difficulties and our confidence in God’s ability to work through us are transformed. [52:24]

Ephesians 1:19-23 (ESV)
"And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are facing right now where you need to rely on God’s resurrection power? How can you remind yourself today that this power is available to you?

Day 5: United as One Family—Praying and Growing Together

Our faith is not just an individual journey but a shared life as part of God’s global family, where each person’s growth and well-being matter to the whole. We are called to pray for one another, celebrate each other’s victories, and bear each other’s burdens, recognizing that our unity and love are a witness to the world. As we focus on the growth and wisdom of the entire body of Christ, we reflect God’s heart and invite others into the blessing of belonging. [48:22]

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

Reflection: How can you actively support and encourage someone else’s spiritual growth this week, seeing their journey as connected to your own? What step can you take to strengthen the unity of your church family today?

Sermon Summary

Paul’s opening prayer in Ephesians 1 offers a profound invitation to reflect on both the nature of our relationship with God and with one another. The letter, likely intended for a broad audience, begins by reminding us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings are not material, but spiritual: God chose us from the beginning, adopted us into his family, redeemed us through Jesus, forgave our sins, and sealed us with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. This is not a selective choosing—God’s desire is for all to be part of his family, and we are given the freedom to respond to that invitation.

Paul’s prayer models how we can approach God: with gratitude for what he has done, and with praise for his love and grace. The Holy Spirit is described as a seal, a family name, and a deposit of what is to come—reminding us that our hope is not just for today, but for eternity. This hope is meant to be shared, as we invite others into the family of God, passing on the message of truth and the inheritance we have received.

The second half of Paul’s prayer shifts focus to the community. He gives thanks for the faith and love of the believers, and prays that God would grant them wisdom and revelation to know him better. Paul asks that the “eyes of our hearts” would be enlightened, so we might truly grasp the hope, riches, and power available to us in Christ—the very power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is especially significant for believers facing hardship or persecution, as it anchors our hope not in circumstances, but in God’s unchanging promise.

Throughout, the emphasis is on “us” and “we”—the collective body of Christ. While each person must choose to follow Jesus individually, we are immediately joined into a global family. Our prayers, then, are not just for our own needs, but for the growth, wisdom, and understanding of all believers. If we truly prayed for each other’s spiritual growth, unity, and deeper knowledge of God, the church would be transformed. We are called to continually pray for one another, not just in times of need, but for ongoing growth in Christ, so that together we reflect God’s glory and invite others into his family.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual blessings in Christ are foundational and not dependent on our merit. God’s choice to adopt, redeem, and seal us with the Holy Spirit is an act of profound love, extended to all, regardless of background or past. This understanding should shape our gratitude and our sense of belonging in God’s family. [29:04]
2. The Holy Spirit is both a seal of our identity and a deposit guaranteeing our future inheritance. This means our hope is anchored not in present circumstances, but in the unbreakable promise of God’s presence and our eternal future with him. Living with this assurance transforms how we face trials and how we invite others into faith. [34:38]
3. Paul’s prayer teaches us to pray beyond our immediate needs, focusing on wisdom, revelation, and a deeper knowledge of God for ourselves and others. Praying for the “eyes of our hearts” to be enlightened is a call to seek true spiritual understanding, which empowers us to live with hope and purpose. [44:27]
4. The Christian life is inherently communal. While faith is a personal decision, it immediately places us within a global, interconnected family. Our growth in Christ is bound up with the growth of others, and praying for each other’s spiritual maturity is both a privilege and a responsibility. [48:22]
5. If we truly grasped the power at work within us—the same power that raised Christ from the dead—our perspective on life’s challenges and on the church would radically change. This power is not for individual triumph, but for the flourishing and unity of the whole body of Christ, equipping us to face hardship and to love one another deeply. [57:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:41] - Introduction to Ephesians and Paul’s Prayer
[29:04] - Spiritual Blessings in Christ
[31:32] - The Purpose and Pattern of Paul’s Prayers
[33:13] - Recognizing New Testament Prayer Structures
[34:38] - What Are Spiritual Blessings?
[44:27] - Praying for Wisdom and Revelation
[48:22] - The Communal Nature of Faith
[50:37] - Praying for Each Other’s Growth
[52:24] - Praying Together as a Church
[54:13] - Thanksgiving and Intercession
[55:37] - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Us
[56:22] - Lifting Up Needs and Celebrations
[57:37] - Grasping the Power and Hope in Christ
[58:35] - Continual Prayer and God’s Presence
[59:31] - Closing Thoughts on Prayer Patterns

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:3–23 (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, 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, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
>
> 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, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
>
> 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 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, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 1, what are some of the specific spiritual blessings God has given us in Christ? (see especially verses 3–14)
How does Paul describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer? (see verses 13–14)
In Paul’s prayer, what does he ask God to give the believers? (see verses 17–19)
What is the significance of Paul using “us” and “we” language throughout this passage? [48:22]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that God’s choice to adopt, redeem, and seal us is an act of profound love, extended to all, regardless of background or past. How might this understanding shape the way someone views their own place in God’s family? [34:38]
Paul prays that the “eyes of our hearts” would be enlightened. What does it mean for someone’s heart to be enlightened, and why is this important for understanding hope, riches, and power in Christ? [44:27]
The sermon highlights that the Holy Spirit is both a seal of our identity and a deposit guaranteeing our future inheritance. How does this assurance affect the way believers face trials or uncertainty? [34:38]
The Christian life is described as inherently communal. What are some practical ways this communal aspect can be lived out in a local church? [48:22]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to start our prayers with gratitude for what God has done, not just requests. When you pray, do you tend to focus more on your needs or on thanking God? How could you shift your prayer life to include more gratitude? [34:38]
Paul prays for the believers to have wisdom and revelation to know God better. Is there a specific area in your life where you need God’s wisdom right now? How can your small group pray for you in this? [44:27]
The sermon says that our hope is anchored not in present circumstances, but in God’s unbreakable promise. Think of a current challenge you’re facing—how might remembering your inheritance in Christ change your perspective or response? [57:37]
Paul’s prayer is not just for individual needs, but for the spiritual growth of the whole community. Who in your church or small group could you intentionally pray for this week—not just for their needs, but for their growth in Christ? [48:22]
The sermon points out that if we truly grasped the power at work within us—the same power that raised Christ from the dead—our perspective on life’s challenges and on the church would radically change. What is one area of your life or faith where you need to remember and rely on this power? [57:37]
The message emphasizes inviting others into God’s family. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the hope and belonging found in Christ? What is one step you could take to share this with them? [34:38]
The sermon suggests that praying for each other’s spiritual growth could transform the church. What is one practical way your group could start doing this together? [48:22]

Sermon Clips

What I'm hoping to do is help you see kind of three, I guess I do have three points in a sense, three goals. Okay. Three facets to this passage. One, what can we learn about how we communicate with God and with others through this prayer? In the same way that we did with the model that Jesus gave us, we can read this opening to the letter to the Ephesians as a way to pray, right? So it can help us think about how to talk to God. But it can also help us think about how we relate to each other. And then I hope that it also helps you when you do your own Bible study to notice that these patterns are repeated throughout the New Testament. [00:32:30] (55 seconds) #ThreeFacetsOfFaith

We can thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and this is uh Paul highlights this in verses 11 through 14 he says that the Holy Spirit is a is a seal it's like identification it's like our family name right sharing the Holy Spirit and it becomes this marker of the inheritance you know he's sticking with sticking with the family theme the inheritance being that God has given us not just membership in his family in the now but through eternity right we have we have this hope to look forward to and the Holy Spirit is the deposit the the preview right of what of what heaven will be like for us. [00:39:41] (48 seconds) #HolySpiritInheritance

The rest of the prayer is what we can pray for each other right what Paul is praying for these for the believers in Ephesians and really like we said for the whole church right is something that we can continue to pray for ourselves and for each other one that we would be wise that we would have this god -like wisdom to move through life and that we would know him better and that again we would understand all the stuff that he's already prayed all the praise be to god section that we would get that and he says that if we could understand all of that we would really know right that it's this redemption we have that gives us hope. [00:44:28] (47 seconds) #UnderstandingRedemption

I want you to notice that the whole passage the whole prayer is a lot of us and we even the part where Paul says we believe first you know he's talking about himself but he he still uses the group right as the focus and that's because the group is the focus all the way through this passage it's about us together both in our praise to God in our in our in our everyday life, right? There's, it's true that we all individually make a choice to follow Jesus. I can't, I can't make that choice for anybody else, only for myself. I can't even make it for my children as much as I would love to, for my loved ones. You know, everybody has to make the choice themselves. But once you make that choice, then you're part of this massive global family, right? You become part of something greater than yourself. [00:47:03] (62 seconds) #WeAreOneFamily

What if we started, right, with this fundamental feeling of connection so that your growth in Christ is my growth in Christ. As we're all growing together, then we're also, again, inviting other people into the family. There's this kind of, like, continual cycle that happens. And that's what I love about this prayer. Paul reminds us that, yeah, he has this responsibility to pray for them because, you know, he's a leader in the church and everything. But this passage must also be a model for how we can pray. [00:49:20] (38 seconds) #ConnectedInChrist

If we all started praying that way for each other, and again, not just the people we love in this room and online and, you know, our church family who's not here today, but everybody who proclaims the name of Jesus, if we could pray, help us know you better. Help us understand your plan for the world better. Help us have wisdom and help us to grow in you. Like, what would that mean for the, for the big C church everywhere, right? We would celebrate every new believer. We would be so excited about God, what God is doing in the church, and it would be, I think, a fundamental change in the way that the, that believers act and, and work. [00:51:29] (54 seconds) #ResurrectionPower

Before we go, I just want to point out something that came up in our Bible study discussion today. You know, when we walked through the Lord's Prayer and this prayer, I don't want to suggest to anybody that these kind of like formal, deep theological prayers are the only kind we can pray. You know, instead we should be praying all the time and every moment. But there are also moments in Scripture that give us these patterns to follow. So, I hope that we come back to them all the time. [00:59:10] (36 seconds)

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