Living in the Fullness of Spiritual Riches

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Spiritual Riches in Christ

Many Christians live as spiritual paupers, unaware or unaccepting of the vast spiritual blessings available to them in Christ. Just as Hetty Green lived in poverty despite her great wealth, believers sometimes fail to access the riches God has already provided. These blessings are not material, but spiritual—peace, joy, hope, and the assurance of God’s presence and favor. God desires that His children recognize, appreciate, and live out of the abundance He has given, rather than settling for a life of quiet desperation. [37:29]

Ephesians 1:3 (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,"

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been living as if you are spiritually impoverished, and how can you begin to claim and thank God for the spiritual blessings He has already given you today?

Day 2: The Riches of God’s Inheritance for the Saints

God wants His people to understand the riches of the glory of His inheritance, which are found in Christ. These blessings are not just for a select few, but for all who are in Christ Jesus. The book of Ephesians reveals that believers are recipients of an inheritance that is both glorious and eternal, far surpassing any earthly treasure. This inheritance is rooted in God’s grace, mercy, and glory, and is meant to be a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of trial or sorrow. [38:19]

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)
"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: When you face discouragement or loss, how can remembering your inheritance in Christ reshape your perspective and response today?

Day 3: Our Identity as Saints—Set Apart and Faithful in Christ

All Christians are called saints, not because of personal perfection, but because they are set apart in Christ. This identity is collective and relational; the strengths and weaknesses of each believer are balanced within the body of Christ. To be a saint is to be sanctified, to live faithfully in Christ, trusting Him for salvation and standing firm in the truth. This calling is not reserved for a spiritual elite, but is the reality for every believer who is in Christ and remains faithful to Him. [44:35]

Ephesians 1:1 (ESV)
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:"

Reflection: What does it mean for you personally to be called a “saint” in Christ, and how can you live out this set-apart identity in your daily interactions today?

Day 4: Chosen in Christ—Understanding God’s Purpose and Our Response

God’s choice of His people is rooted in His divine purpose and love, not in human merit. While there are different theological views on predestination, the clear truth is that God has chosen the church in Christ to be holy and blameless before Him. This calling is both corporate and individual; each believer must respond by remaining in Christ and walking in love. The goal is not just to be chosen, but to live out that calling in holiness, love, and faithfulness, making our calling and election sure. [54:52]

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. In love"

Reflection: How can you intentionally walk in holiness and love today, knowing that you have been chosen in Christ for God’s purposes?

Day 5: Praising God for His Grace and Blessings

The proper response to God’s abundant spiritual blessings is praise and gratitude. Recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, believers are called to worship God not only in times of joy but also in seasons of sorrow and difficulty. Praising God for His grace, provision, and presence—even in hardship—transforms our hearts and aligns us with His will. This spiritual worship is both a privilege and a powerful way to experience God’s nearness and favor. [57:23]

James 1:17 (ESV)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Reflection: What is one specific blessing you can thank God for today, and how can you express your gratitude to Him in a tangible way?

Sermon Summary

In reflecting on the life of Hetty Green, a woman of immense wealth who lived as a pauper, we are reminded of the tragedy of possessing great riches yet failing to enjoy them. This serves as a powerful illustration for many believers who, despite having access to the boundless spiritual blessings found in Christ, often live as though they are spiritually impoverished. God has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms through Christ Jesus, yet too often these blessings go unrecognized and unused, leaving us to live lives of quiet desperation rather than the fullness God intends.

The book of Ephesians, written by Paul—an apostle chosen not by men but by the will of God—serves as a profound reminder of the riches available to us in Christ. Paul, once Saul of Tarsus, was personally called by Jesus to preach the gospel, especially to the Gentiles. His life and ministry exemplify the transformative power of God’s grace, turning a persecutor of the church into a foundational leader and teacher. Paul’s letters, especially Ephesians, are filled with what might be called “Pentecostal fits”—moments where he is so overwhelmed by the glory and goodness of God that his words overflow with praise and gratitude.

The recipients of Paul’s letter, the saints in Ephesus, are described as those who are set apart, sanctified, and faithful in Christ Jesus. This identity is not reserved for a spiritual elite but is the calling of every believer. To be a saint is to be set apart in Christ, to trust in Him for salvation, and to live faithfully in the truth. Yet, as history shows, even the most faithful can lose their first love if they are not vigilant.

Paul emphasizes that our blessings are spiritual, not merely physical, and are found “in the heavenlies”—a realm that transcends our earthly experience. These blessings are accessed only “in Christ,” a phrase that appears repeatedly in Ephesians, underscoring the necessity of union with Jesus for the enjoyment of God’s gifts. The doctrine of being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world is explored, not as a cause for pride or complacency, but as a call to live holy and blameless lives, walking in love and gratitude for God’s grace.

Ultimately, the response to such overwhelming grace should be worship, thanksgiving, and a life that reflects the blessings we have received. We are called to count our blessings, accept them, and become a blessing to others, living each day in the favor and love of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Wealth Unused Is Spiritual Poverty Just as Hetty Green lived in material poverty despite her vast wealth, many Christians fail to access and enjoy the spiritual riches available in Christ. God has already provided every spiritual blessing, but it is up to us to recognize, receive, and live in the fullness of what He has given. Living beneath our inheritance is not humility, but a missed opportunity to glorify God and bless others. [37:29]
2. Identity as Saints Is Collective and Transformative The term “saints” in the New Testament is not reserved for a select few, but describes all who are set apart in Christ. Our weaknesses are strengthened by the community of believers, and together we are sanctified and made holy. This collective identity calls us to mutual support, accountability, and a shared pursuit of holiness. [43:53]
3. Blessings Are Spiritual and Found in Christ Alone The blessings God gives are not primarily material, but spiritual, located “in the heavenlies” and accessible only through union with Christ. The phrase “in Christ” is central, reminding us that apart from Him, we have no access to these riches. Our hope and reward are ultimately not of this world, but are secured in the eternal realm with Christ. [50:07]
4. God’s Choice Calls for Response, Not Complacency Whether one leans toward a Calvinist or Arminian understanding of election, the emphasis in Ephesians is that God’s choice is corporate—He has chosen the church in Christ. Yet, each individual must respond, remain in Christ, and make their calling and election sure. The privilege of being chosen is matched by the responsibility to persevere in faith and holiness. [54:52]
5. Gratitude and Worship Are the Right Response to Grace The only fitting response to the overwhelming grace and favor God has shown is heartfelt worship and thanksgiving. Even in seasons of sorrow and loss, recognizing God’s goodness and sovereignty enables us to praise Him. Our spiritual worship is to live as those who are blessed, to count our blessings, and to become a blessing to others.

** [57:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:12] - Remembering Spiritual Mentors
[34:38] - Jason’s Example and Focus
[35:20] - The Story of Hetty Green
[36:11] - Living Below Our Means—Spiritually and Materially
[37:29] - Spiritual Blessings Unused
[38:19] - The Riches of Ephesians
[38:51] - Paul’s Identity and Calling
[40:22] - Paul’s Apostleship and God’s Choice
[41:43] - Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
[42:51] - Paul’s Imprisonment and the Prison Epistles
[43:19] - Who Are the Saints?
[45:13] - Faithfulness and Identity in Christ
[46:19] - Grace and Peace: Paul’s Greeting
[46:57] - Paul’s Overflowing Praise
[47:27] - The Theme: Riches in Christ
[48:03] - God’s Goodness in Suffering
[49:40] - Blessings in the Heavenlies
[50:07] - Blessings in Christ
[51:22] - Predestination: Calvinist and Arminian Views
[54:52] - The Call to Persevere in Christ
[56:03] - Accepted and Highly Favored
[56:45] - Living in God’s Favor
[57:23] - Responding with Worship and Thanksgiving
[58:18] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV) — > 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.

Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV) — > But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 1:3, what kind of blessings has God given us, and where are they found?
In the sermon, what was the main point of the story about Hetty Green, and how does it relate to the Christian life? [[37:29]]
How does Paul describe the recipients of his letter in Ephesus? What terms does he use for them? [[43:19]]
What warning does Revelation 2:4-5 give to the church in Ephesus, and how does it connect to the message of Ephesians?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that our blessings are “spiritual” and “in the heavenlies” rather than material or earthly? [[49:40]]
The sermon says that being called “saints” is not just for a spiritual elite, but for all believers. How does this collective identity affect the way Christians should relate to one another? [[43:53]]
The sermon discusses different views on God’s choice and predestination. What is the practical impact of understanding that God’s choice is corporate (for the church) but also requires individual response and perseverance? [[54:52]]
Paul’s overflowing praise and gratitude are described as “Pentecostal fits.” What does this reveal about his understanding of God’s grace, and how might this shape our own response to God? [[46:57]]

Application Questions

The sermon compares Hetty Green’s unused wealth to Christians who don’t access their spiritual blessings. Are there specific spiritual blessings you feel you have left “unused” in your life? What is one step you could take to begin living in the fullness of what God has given you? [[37:29]]
Paul calls all believers “saints” and emphasizes the importance of community. Is there a weakness in your life that could be strengthened by inviting others in the church to support you? How might you also use your strengths to help someone else? [[43:53]]
The blessings God gives are “in Christ.” Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment outside of Christ? What would it look like to intentionally seek your hope and reward in Him this week? [[50:07]]
The sermon warns that even the most faithful can lose their “first love.” What are some signs that you might be drifting from your first love for Christ? What practical steps can you take to rekindle that love? [[45:41]]
The message says that God’s choice is a call to live holy and blameless lives, not a reason for pride or complacency. In what area of your life do you sense God calling you to greater holiness or faithfulness? What is one change you could make this week? [[54:52]]
Paul’s response to God’s grace is worship and thanksgiving, even in hard times. Can you recall a recent season of sorrow or loss? How did you (or could you) practice gratitude and worship in that season? [[48:03]]
The sermon ends with a call to “count our blessings, accept them, and become a blessing to others.” Who is one person you could intentionally bless this week, and how might you do it? [[57:59]]

Sermon Clips

They Include every every spiritual blessing. Not just a few, but every one blessings that are spiritual in nature. Unlike the many blessings that were promised to Israel which were physical, our blessings are spiritual, the sphere of his blessings. First, they are in heavenly places. Our hope is not here on earth. God. God does grant us a lot of great things while we're here. But we do know that our reward is waiting for us in heaven. [00:49:16] (38 seconds) #BlessingsInHeavenlyPlaces

Secondly, we're told that they are in Christ, that our blessings are in Christ. Now to me it's an excellent study to go through this phrase in Christos. In Christ it appears 27 times alone. In this book. It emphasized that only by being in Christ that one can have access to every spiritual blessing. The phrase in Christ is all encompassing. That's the only way that we can live as believers as being in Christ. [00:50:12] (43 seconds) #ChosenInChrist

``We are chosen by God. In verse four, defining this term, the word comes from the Greek word eklaohomi and means picked out, chosen to pick or chosen oneself. The Scripture says that he chose us before the foundation of the world. Now think about that. [00:50:56] (26 seconds) #HolyAndBlameless

Paul simply says he chose us in him. This is another view, and this is more corporate, that God chose the church and he knows the ones that will populate the church, the ones that will be faithful to the end. The body of Christ, the Church as a whole, which God chose for his divine and gracious purpose, he planned to carry out in Christ. And while in the corporate sense, since this choice is unconditional and final, as individuals we must diligently be ever aware of our calling and election. We must be in Christ to the end. It's only those who are in Christ in the end that make it. [00:54:04] (52 seconds) #HighlyFavoredInChrist

Just as Israel as a nation had been chosen by God to receive his blessing individually, it was the Israelites had to make their calling election. Sure, so the calling was for Israel. But the Israelites had to identify with that calling. Just as the church is chosen by God, it is the believers who must identify with that. [00:54:56] (27 seconds) #PraiseForGrace

We should be holy and without blame before him. The goal of God's choice in eternity was to produce a people in Jesus Christ who would be holy without blame and in love. We must walk before God in the sphere of love. According to his good pleasure. [00:55:23] (23 seconds)

We are accepted by God. It comes from this word comes accepted, comes from the Greek, Greek. And it means to be highly favored, to pursue with grace and compassion this favor, to honor with blessing this favor. It is used in Luke 1:28 to reference the Virgin Mary when she says she's highly favored. Like Mary, those in Christ are highly favored in God's sake sight. [00:55:46] (33 seconds)

So the basis upon which we are accepted in the Beloved, as emphasized in 1, 3 and through verse 414 are these blessings included, Accepted by God in and by Jesus. So God chose us in him. That's a Spiritual blessing God predestined us to be adopted as sons by Christ Jesus. God has made us accept acceptable in the beloved. Therefore it is by our being in Christ that we are privileged to be highly favored by God and showered by his wonderful blessings. The blessings are coming at all times. The blessings are there for us. But there is a greater blessing that we can't wait to receive that we will be with Christ in heaven. [00:56:18] (51 seconds)

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