Living in the Fullness of Spiritual Riches

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

1. According to Ephesians 1:3, what kind of blessings has God given us, and where are they found?
2. 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]]
3. How does Paul describe the recipients of his letter in Ephesus? What terms does he use for them? [[43:19]]
4. What warning does Revelation 2:4-5 give to the church in Ephesus, and how does it connect to the message of Ephesians?

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that our blessings are “spiritual” and “in the heavenlies” rather than material or earthly? [[49:40]]
2. 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]]
3. 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]]
4. 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]]

1. 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]]
2. 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]]
3. 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]]
4. 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]]
5. 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]]
6. 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]]
7. 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]]