Embracing Spiritual Blessings: Worship, Election, and Adoption

In our time together, we explored the profound truths found in Ephesians 1:3-6, focusing on the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. We began by acknowledging the worshipful tone of Paul's writing, emphasizing that our response to God's word should be one of worship. Paul writes with a heart full of adoration, and we are called to read and preach with the same spirit of worship.

We delved into the concept of blessing, noting that when we bless God, we speak well of Him, acknowledging His greatness and goodness. Conversely, when God blesses us, He imparts good into our lives, not because we are deserving, but because of our union with Christ. This union is central to our understanding of spiritual blessings, as it is through Christ that we receive every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

We also discussed the doctrine of election, which reveals that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. This choice was not based on our merit but on His purpose and grace. The purpose of this election is that we might be holy and blameless before Him, set apart for His glory. This holiness is not just an absence of defect but a fullness of beauty, reflecting God's transcendent purity.

Furthermore, we explored the concept of adoption, understanding that through Jesus Christ, we are brought into God's family. This adoption is both a legal and relational reality, giving us the assurance of being God's children. It is through the Spirit of adoption that we cry out, "Abba, Father," experiencing a deep, childlike dependence on God.

Finally, we considered the ultimate purpose of all these blessings: the praise of the glory of His grace. Our lives are meant to be a testament to God's grace, leading us to a joyful, eternal praise of His goodness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Worship is integral to our engagement with God's word. Just as Paul writes with a heart full of worship, we are called to approach Scripture with adoration and reverence, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds. [01:36]
• 2. The concept of blessing involves both speaking well of God and receiving His goodness. When God blesses us, He imparts His goodness into our lives, not because of our merit, but because of our union with Christ. [04:07]
• 3. Election is a profound doctrine that reveals God's sovereign choice of us in Christ before the foundation of the world. This choice is rooted in His grace and purpose, calling us to a life of holiness and blamelessness. [08:06]
• 4. Adoption into God's family is a beautiful reality made possible through Jesus Christ. It assures us of our identity as God's children and invites us into a deep, dependent relationship with our Heavenly Father. [18:04]
• 5. The ultimate purpose of our spiritual blessings is the praise of the glory of God's grace. Our lives are meant to reflect His grace, leading us to a joyful, eternal praise of His goodness. [35:25]
  ** [35:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Introduction to Spiritual Blessings
• [01:03] - Worshipful Writing of Paul
• [02:33] - Understanding Blessing
• [04:07] - Two Meanings of Blessing
• [05:00] - Spiritual Riches in Christ
• [06:18] - Election Before the Foundation
• [08:06] - Purpose of Election
• [11:07] - Holiness and Blamelessness
• [13:29] - In Love and Predestination
• [16:33] - Adoption as Sons
• [18:04] - The Reality of Adoption
• [21:06] - Assurance of Adoption
• [23:42] - Sharing in Christ's Inheritance
• [27:28] - Purpose of God's Will
• [33:01] - God's Good Pleasure
• [35:25] - Praise of His Glory

1. What does Paul mean when he says we are blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" in Ephesians 1:3? How does this relate to our union with Christ? [05:00]
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the two meanings of the word "blessing" when it comes to God and us? [04:07]
3. What is the significance of the phrase "before the foundation of the world" in the context of election, as discussed in the sermon? [08:06]
4. How does the pastor explain the concept of adoption in relation to our identity as God's children? [18:04]

1. How does the understanding of spiritual blessings in Christ challenge or affirm your current view of what it means to be blessed by God? [05:00]
2. The sermon discusses the doctrine of election as God's sovereign choice. How does this understanding of election impact one's view of God's grace and purpose? [08:06]
3. In what ways does the concept of adoption into God's family provide assurance and shape a believer's relationship with God? [18:04]
4. The ultimate purpose of our spiritual blessings is described as leading to the "praise of the glory of His grace." How does this purpose influence the way believers live their daily lives? [35:25]

1. Reflect on your personal approach to reading Scripture. How can you cultivate a heart of worship and adoration like Paul when engaging with God's word? [01:36]
2. Consider the two meanings of blessing discussed in the sermon. How can you actively speak well of God in your daily life, and how do you recognize His goodness being imparted to you? [04:07]
3. The sermon highlights the idea of being chosen by God before the foundation of the world. How does this truth affect your sense of purpose and identity? [08:06]
4. Adoption into God's family assures us of our identity as His children. How can you deepen your relationship with God, embracing a childlike dependence on Him? [18:04]
5. The sermon emphasizes that our lives should reflect God's grace. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate the grace of God in your interactions with others this week? [35:25]
6. How can you ensure that your life is a testament to the praise of God's glory, as described in the sermon? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this purpose? [35:25]
7. Reflect on the assurance of being a child of God. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of assurance in your faith journey, especially during times of doubt or uncertainty? [22:27]