Living in the Fullness of Our Identity in Christ
Summary
Today marks the beginning of a seven-week journey through the book of Ephesians, a letter that encapsulates the fullness of what God has accomplished for us in Christ. Ephesians is a treasure trove, revealing the astonishing reality of our union with Jesus and the countless blessings that flow from it. The heart of this message is that everything we have—our identity, our acceptance, our inheritance—comes not from our own efforts, but from being “in Christ.” This phrase, repeated over and over in Ephesians, is the key to understanding who we truly are as believers.
From the very first verses, we are reminded that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. We are chosen, holy, and blameless in His sight—not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done. We have been adopted into God’s family, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and forgiven once and for all. These are not abstract theological concepts; they are the foundation of our daily lives and the source of our confidence and joy.
It is easy to forget or overlook these truths, especially when our feelings or circumstances tell us otherwise. But the reality is that our position in Christ is unshakable. We are cocooned in Him, wrapped in His righteousness, and filled with His life. This is not a partial or progressive work—it is a finished reality. The challenge is to let this revelation sink deep into our hearts, transforming the way we see ourselves, the way we live, and the way we relate to God and others.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is that they would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation, to truly know God and the hope, inheritance, and power that are theirs in Christ. This is my prayer for us as well: that we would grasp the “totally insane” magnitude of what God has done, and live out of the overflow of His grace. As we continue this series, may we become ever more aware of the riches we possess in Jesus, and may our lives reflect the fullness of His love and power.
Key Takeaways
- Our Identity Is Rooted in Christ, Not in Ourselves
The foundation of our lives is not what we do, but what Christ has done. Being “in Christ” means that our acceptance, holiness, and blamelessness are gifts, not achievements. This truth liberates us from striving and self-condemnation, inviting us to rest in the finished work of Jesus. [01:19:07]
- Every Spiritual Blessing Is Already Ours
God has not withheld anything from us; every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms has been lavished upon us. This includes adoption, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness. These blessings are not future promises, but present realities for all who are in Christ. [01:22:35]
- Redemption and Forgiveness Are Once-for-All Events
Our redemption and forgiveness are not incremental or dependent on our performance. In Christ, we are fully redeemed and completely forgiven—now and forever. This assurance frees us from guilt and empowers us to live boldly for God. [01:23:37]
- Our Position Determines Our Disposition and Effectiveness
Understanding our position in Christ shapes how we see ourselves, how we relate to God, and how we engage with the world. When we know we are seated with Christ, our perspective shifts, and we become more effective in God’s mission. Our spiritual health and fruitfulness flow from this revelation. [01:34:12]
- The Ultimate Gift Is Christ Himself—His Life in Us
All the blessings we receive are expressions of the greatest gift: Christ’s own life within us. We are not just recipients of things from God; we are united with Him, sharing in His very life and nature. This union is the source of our transformation and the reason we can live fully equipped for every good work. [01:33:22]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07:34] - Opening Story and Series Introduction
[01:09:30] - Why Ephesians? The Book’s Significance
[01:11:45] - Structure and Themes of Ephesians
[01:14:20] - Reading Ephesians 1 Together
[01:19:07] - The Power of Being “In Christ”
[01:21:47] - Chosen, Holy, and Blameless
[01:22:35] - Adoption and Sonship
[01:23:37] - Redemption and Forgiveness
[01:29:23] - The Gift of Righteousness
[01:30:52] - Paul’s Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation
[01:33:22] - Our Inheritance: Christ’s Life in Us
[01:34:12] - Position, Perspective, and Power
[01:36:00] - Living Fully Equipped
[01:38:00] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[01:40:00] - Final Blessing and Celebration
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Ephesians Week 1 – “Fully Equipped: Our Identity in Christ”
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 1:1-23 (ESV)
> 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
> 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
> 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1, what are some of the specific blessings that God has given us “in Christ”? (see verses 3-8)
2. How many times does Paul use the phrase “in Christ” or “in Him” in this passage, and why do you think he repeats it so often? [01:19:07]
3. What does Paul pray for the Ephesians to receive in verses 17-19? What three things does he want them to know? [01:30:52]
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the difference between our feelings and the reality of being holy and blameless in Christ? [01:22:35]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says our identity, acceptance, and inheritance come from being “in Christ,” not from our own efforts. Why is this distinction so important for how we see ourselves as Christians? [01:19:07]
2. Paul prays for a “spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that believers would truly know God and the hope, inheritance, and power they have. Why might it be hard for Christians to grasp these truths, even if they’ve heard them before? [01:30:52]
3. The pastor describes redemption and forgiveness as “once-for-all” events, not something we earn or increase over time. How does this understanding affect the way we deal with guilt or shame? [01:23:37]
4. The sermon says our position in Christ determines our disposition and effectiveness. What does this mean, and how could a wrong view of our position affect our daily lives? [01:34:12]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “It is easy to forget or overlook these truths, especially when our feelings or circumstances tell us otherwise.” Can you think of a recent time when your feelings or circumstances made you doubt your identity in Christ? How did you respond? [01:22:35]
2. The pastor said, “Our acceptance, holiness, and blamelessness are gifts, not achievements.” Are there areas in your life where you still feel like you have to earn God’s acceptance? What would it look like to rest in the finished work of Jesus this week? [01:19:07]
3. Paul prays that we would know “the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance, and his incomparably great power.” Which of these three do you find hardest to believe or experience? Why? [01:30:52]
4. The sermon described being “cocooned in Him, wrapped in His righteousness, and filled with His life.” What practical difference would it make in your daily life if you really believed this was true? [01:33:22]
5. The pastor said, “Redemption and forgiveness are not incremental or dependent on our performance.” Is there a past mistake or sin that you still struggle to believe is fully forgiven? How can you remind yourself of the truth of your forgiveness in Christ? [01:23:37]
6. The sermon challenges us to “let this revelation sink deep into our hearts, transforming the way we see ourselves, the way we live, and the way we relate to God and others.” What is one specific relationship or situation where you need to let your identity in Christ shape your response this week? [01:34:12]
7. The pastor said, “The ultimate gift is Christ Himself—His life in us.” How can you become more aware of Christ’s presence and life in you this week? Is there a spiritual practice (like prayer, worship, or reading Ephesians) you want to focus on? [01:33:22]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray that God would give your group a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you would truly know Him and the hope, inheritance, and power that are yours in Christ. Ask for help to live out of the overflow of His grace this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Our Position in Christ—Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing
To be “in Christ” is to be rooted in the very life of Jesus, united with Him in a way that transforms our identity and secures every spiritual blessing for us. This means that, regardless of our feelings or past, God sees us as accepted, loved, and fully equipped through the finished work of Jesus. The blessings we receive are not earned by our efforts but are gifts given because we are wrapped in Christ, cocooned in His righteousness and grace. As a branch draws life from the vine, so we draw our life and purpose from our union with Him, and this changes everything about how we see ourselves and live each day. [01:19:07]
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: What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe you are truly “in Christ” and blessed—how might you remind yourself of your true position in Him today?
Day 2: Holy and Blameless—A Gift, Not an Achievement
God has declared us holy and blameless in His sight, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus has accomplished for us. This holiness is not about our feelings or our performance; it is a gift that comes with being in Christ. Even when we feel unworthy or carry guilt, God’s Word assures us that we are set apart and without blame, free from condemnation. Embracing this truth allows us to walk in freedom, leaving behind shame and self-condemnation, and to live out of the identity God has given us. [01:21:47]
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV)
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him."
Reflection: In what ways do you still carry guilt or shame that Jesus has already taken away—can you name one and surrender it to Him in prayer today?
Day 3: Redeemed and Forgiven—Once for All
Redemption and forgiveness are not ongoing processes we must strive for, but completed acts accomplished by Jesus’ sacrifice. We have been bought back from darkness and sin, and our forgiveness is total and final—no matter how we feel or what we have done. This means we can live each day with the assurance that we are fully redeemed and completely forgiven, not because of our goodness, but because of God’s lavish grace. Our past no longer defines us; we are new creations, free to walk in the light of God’s love and acceptance. [01:23:37]
Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."
Reflection: Is there a past mistake or regret you keep revisiting—how can you choose to accept God’s complete forgiveness and let it go today?
Day 4: The Power and Inheritance We Have in Christ
God has given us an incredible inheritance in Christ, including the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This power is not just for the future, but is available to us now, enabling us to live with hope, purpose, and authority. When we grasp the riches of our inheritance and the greatness of His power at work in us, it changes our perspective and empowers us to live boldly for God’s mission. We are not powerless or lacking; we are filled with the fullness of Christ, equipped for every good work He calls us to. [01:30:52]
Ephesians 1:17-21 (ESV)
"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, 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."
Reflection: Where do you feel powerless or hopeless—how can you invite God’s resurrection power into that area of your life today?
Day 5: Living from Our Identity—Letting Our Position Shape Our Disposition
Our understanding of who we are in Christ shapes how we think, feel, and act in the world. When we truly know our position—seated with Christ, filled with His life, and wrapped in His love—it transforms our disposition, giving us confidence, joy, and effectiveness in God’s mission. This perspective shift is not just for our benefit, but so we can be empowered to bless others and live out the fullness of the gospel. God wants us to see ourselves as He sees us: greatly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved, so that we can live with boldness and gratitude every day. [01:34:12]
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can let your identity in Christ shape your attitude or actions toward others today?
Quotes
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