Spiritual Riches: Blessings in Christ and Eternity
Summary
In Ephesians 1:3, Paul exclaims, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This verse serves as a profound reminder of the spiritual riches available to us as believers. Our journey begins with praise and thanksgiving to God, acknowledging that all blessings flow from Him. This is not a mere afterthought but a divine plan established before the foundation of the world. Salvation and blessings are not improvised responses to human sin but are part of God's eternal covenant with His Son, Jesus Christ.
The blessings we receive are spiritual, not material, and they come through our union with Christ. This union is central to our faith, as all spiritual blessings are mediated through Him. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that these blessings are exclusive to those in Christ, highlighting the particularity and exclusivity of the Christian faith. The blessings are not just for this world but are rooted in heavenly places, pointing us to an otherworldly perspective. As Christians, we are called to live with our eyes set on the eternal, recognizing that our true citizenship is in heaven.
Moreover, these blessings are mediated to us through the Holy Spirit, who applies the work of Christ to our lives. The Spirit quickens us, convicts us of sin, and leads us to faith in Christ, enabling us to receive the fullness of His grace. This spiritual life is characterized by a detachment from worldly concerns, as our affections are set on things above. The blessings encompass forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption as children of God, and the promise of eternal life. They are comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and godliness, from forgiveness to the fullness of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The foundation of our spiritual blessings is rooted in God's eternal covenant with Christ, established before the world's foundation. This divine plan underscores that salvation is not an afterthought but a preordained reality, inviting us to begin with praise and thanksgiving to God. [02:32]
- Our union with Christ is central to receiving spiritual blessings. Every blessing we enjoy as Christians comes through Him, emphasizing the exclusivity and particularity of the Christian faith. This union is not just the beginning but the entirety of our Christian journey. [09:27]
- The blessings we receive are spiritual and mediated through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit quickens us, convicts us of sin, and leads us to faith in Christ, enabling us to partake in the fullness of His grace. This spiritual life is marked by a detachment from worldly concerns. [16:10]
- Our blessings are in heavenly places, pointing us to an otherworldly perspective. As Christians, we are called to live with our eyes set on the eternal, recognizing that our true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective shapes our relationship with the world, allowing us to enjoy it without conforming to its values. [27:51]
- The spiritual blessings encompass forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption as children of God, and the promise of eternal life. They are comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and godliness, from forgiveness to the fullness of God, inviting us to enjoy them now and anticipate their fullness in eternity. [36:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:3
[01:02] - The Source of Spiritual Blessings
[02:32] - The Covenant of Grace
[03:36] - Nature of the Blessings
[05:00] - The Importance of Worship
[07:04] - Blessings in Christ
[09:27] - Exclusivity of Christ
[12:30] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[16:10] - Spiritual Nature of Blessings
[19:24] - Life in the Spirit
[25:08] - Heavenly Places
[27:51] - Otherworldly Perspective
[33:07] - Detachment from the World
[36:01] - Comprehensive Blessings
[42:36] - Enjoying Blessings Now
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:3
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize as the source of all spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1:3? How does this relate to the concept of a divine plan established before the foundation of the world? [02:32]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in mediating spiritual blessings to believers? [16:10]
3. What distinction does the sermon make between common grace and the particular grace enjoyed by Christians? [08:21]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "in Christ" in understanding the nature of spiritual blessings? [07:21]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of spiritual blessings as part of God's eternal covenant with Christ change the way believers view their faith journey? [02:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the exclusivity of blessings "in Christ" impacts the Christian faith and identity? [09:27]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of living with an "otherworldly perspective," and what implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [27:51]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between worship and the enjoyment of spiritual blessings? [06:10]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current practice of praise and thanksgiving. How can you incorporate more intentional moments of gratitude in your daily routine to acknowledge the spiritual blessings you have received? [01:41]
2. Consider your understanding of being "in Christ." How does this identity influence your decisions and interactions with others? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding? [07:21]
3. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in leading believers to faith and applying Christ's work to their lives. How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your spiritual journey? [16:10]
4. How do you currently balance enjoying the world without conforming to its values? Identify one area where you might need to adjust your perspective to align more closely with an eternal viewpoint. [27:51]
5. The sermon mentions the comprehensive nature of spiritual blessings, including forgiveness and adoption as children of God. How do these truths impact your self-perception and relationships with others? [36:01]
6. Reflect on a recent situation where you were more focused on worldly concerns than spiritual ones. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus to things above in similar situations? [19:24]
7. Identify one specific spiritual blessing you are currently experiencing. How can you share this blessing with someone else in your community this week? [42:36]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Eternal Covenant of Grace
The foundation of our spiritual blessings is deeply rooted in God's eternal covenant with Christ, established before the world's foundation. This divine plan underscores that salvation is not an afterthought but a preordained reality. It invites believers to begin with praise and thanksgiving to God, acknowledging that all blessings flow from Him. This understanding shifts our perspective, helping us see that our spiritual journey is part of a grand narrative orchestrated by God Himself. Recognizing this eternal covenant encourages us to live with gratitude and assurance, knowing that our salvation and blessings are secure in God's sovereign plan. [02:32]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (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 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing that your spiritual blessings are part of God's eternal plan change the way you approach your daily life and relationship with Him?
Day 2: Union with Christ as the Source of Blessings
Our union with Christ is central to receiving spiritual blessings. Every blessing we enjoy as Christians comes through Him, emphasizing the exclusivity and particularity of the Christian faith. This union is not just the beginning but the entirety of our Christian journey. It is through Christ that we are connected to the divine, and it is in Him that we find our identity and purpose. This understanding calls us to deepen our relationship with Christ, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Our spiritual growth and the blessings we receive are intrinsically linked to our abiding in Him. [09:27]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally deepen your union with Christ this week, and how might this impact the blessings you experience in your life?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Role in Spiritual Blessings
The blessings we receive are spiritual and mediated through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit quickens us, convicts us of sin, and leads us to faith in Christ, enabling us to partake in the fullness of His grace. This spiritual life is marked by a detachment from worldly concerns, as our affections are set on things above. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in applying the work of Christ to our lives, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to live out our faith. By yielding to the Spirit, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace, experiencing the fullness of spiritual blessings. [16:10]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life today, and what steps can you take to align your actions with His guidance?
Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our blessings are in heavenly places, pointing us to an otherworldly perspective. As Christians, we are called to live with our eyes set on the eternal, recognizing that our true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective shapes our relationship with the world, allowing us to enjoy it without conforming to its values. By focusing on the eternal, we are reminded of the transient nature of earthly things and the enduring nature of God's promises. This mindset encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth and eternal values over temporary pleasures and material gains. [27:51]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can shift your focus from earthly concerns to eternal values in your daily life?
Day 5: Embracing Comprehensive Spiritual Blessings
The spiritual blessings encompass forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption as children of God, and the promise of eternal life. They are comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and godliness, from forgiveness to the fullness of God, inviting us to enjoy them now and anticipate their fullness in eternity. These blessings are not limited to a future hope but are available to us in the present, transforming our lives and relationships. By embracing these blessings, we are empowered to live out our faith with confidence and joy, knowing that we are fully equipped for every good work. [36:01]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (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, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: How can you actively embrace and live out the comprehensive spiritual blessings God has given you, and how might this impact your interactions with others?
Quotes
Salvation is not an afterthought; it isn't something that God thought of and improvised following the fall and the sin of men. Before the foundation of the world, in that Eternal Council, this great matter was planned and purposed. [00:02:54]
The Apostle starts with his praise of God; he then goes on to that Eternal Council and the Covenant and the Eternal purpose, and it is only after doing that he really comes down, as it were, to our level and begins to deal with the actual blessings that we enjoy. [00:04:20]
Every blessing that we enjoy as Christian people comes to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. God has blessings for people, and God does bless people in general. For instance, you remember our Lord's words; he says that God maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good. [00:07:44]
The Christian faith is frankly and openly otherworldly. I put it like that because I know it's unpopular today, and the great idea is, of course, here and now. But, my dear friends, the present apostasy of the church has been due to that. [00:27:51]
The blessings that we enjoy are in Heavenly places. Now, what does this mean? Well, there is no doubt that here the Apostle has in his mind a great contrast. We saw in dealing with this way in which he describes God as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:25:08]
The blessings that we enjoy as Christians are all blessings in the spirit, in and through the Holy Spirit. Now, that's the type of life, that's the order of life, that's the quality of life which we are meant to be living as Christians. [00:19:24]
The way to be blessed is to forget yourself and to look to God, and the more we worship, the more we shall enjoy the blessings of God. Oh, this isn't accidental; it's vital, and it's very practical. [00:06:30]
The blessings that come to us through and by the Holy Spirit, we can't stay this morning to work out in detail how the Holy Spirit does this work, but we know that he works like this: he comes and he quickens us. [00:19:59]
The blessings encompass forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption as children of God, and the promise of eternal life. They are comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and godliness, from forgiveness to the fullness of God. [00:36:01]
The Apostle Paul in writing to the Philippians in the 3rd chapter in the 20th verse says our citizenship is in heaven. Somebody translates that like this: we are a colony of Heaven. That's where our real citizenship is. [00:29:33]
The blessings that we enjoy are in Heavenly places. Now, what does this mean? Well, there is no doubt that here the Apostle has in his mind a great contrast. We saw in dealing with this way in which he describes God as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:25:08]
The blessings that we enjoy as Christians are all blessings in the spirit, in and through the Holy Spirit. Now, that's the type of life, that's the order of life, that's the quality of life which we are meant to be living as Christians. [00:19:24]
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