Understanding Spiritual Blessings and Trinitarian Worship

 

Summary

In Ephesians 1:3, Paul presents a profound statement that encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: "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 is not merely a poetic expression but a deep theological truth that demands careful examination. It is easy to be captivated by the beauty of the words and miss the richness of their meaning. Therefore, it is crucial to dissect and understand each component of this statement in the context of the entire scripture.

Paul's writing style often condenses the entire gospel into a single phrase, and this verse is a prime example. It serves as a reminder of the profound blessings available to Christians and the divine plan that makes these blessings possible. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the doctrines of scripture, as a lack of knowledge often leads to deficiencies in the Christian life. The key to experiencing the fullness of the Christian life lies in understanding the plan of salvation and the role of the Holy Trinity in it.

The verse also highlights the importance of praise and thanksgiving in the Christian life. True understanding of salvation naturally leads to a life of praise, as seen in the lives of the early Christians in the Book of Acts. This praise is not superficial but stems from a deep realization of God's grace and peace. Moreover, Christian worship must be Trinitarian, acknowledging the roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation.

The planning of our salvation was not an afterthought but a divine council held before the foundation of the world. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each took on specific roles in this plan, demonstrating the economic Trinity. This eternal covenant, often referred to as the Covenant of Grace, underscores the depth of God's love and commitment to humanity. Understanding this covenant is essential for true worship and adoration of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding the profound truths of scripture, particularly the doctrines of salvation, is essential for a vibrant Christian life. A lack of knowledge often leads to spiritual deficiencies, and it is through understanding that we can fully experience the blessings of grace and peace. [08:05]

- Praise and thanksgiving are fundamental characteristics of the Christian life. True praise arises from a deep understanding of God's grace and the realization of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. This is not about superficial expressions but a heartfelt response to God's goodness. [12:19]

- Christian worship must be Trinitarian, acknowledging the distinct roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation. This understanding enriches our worship and aligns it with the biblical model. [20:41]

- The plan of salvation was established before the foundation of the world, demonstrating God's eternal purpose and love for humanity. This divine council involved the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each taking on specific roles in the redemption of mankind. [32:39]

- The Covenant of Grace, established between the Father and the Son, is central to our understanding of salvation. This covenant underscores the depth of God's commitment to humanity and is the basis for all the blessings we receive in Christ. [36:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Apology for Audio Quality
- [00:22] - Ephesians 1:3: A Profound Statement
- [01:02] - The Style of Apostle Paul
- [01:52] - The Danger of Superficial Understanding
- [03:44] - Context and Connection of the Verse
- [05:10] - The Sequence of Paul's Argument
- [06:10] - The Central Message of Ephesians
- [07:51] - The Importance of Understanding Doctrine
- [09:32] - The Realization of Redemption Leads to Praise
- [11:10] - Praise and Thanksgiving in Christian Life
- [13:13] - True Praise vs. Superficial Expressions
- [15:05] - Joy as a Mark of True Christianity
- [17:00] - The Role of Adoration in Worship
- [19:26] - Trinitarian Worship
- [24:01] - Why God is to be Praised
- [32:39] - The Eternal Council and Plan of Salvation
- [36:14] - The Covenant of Grace
- [42:31] - The Depth of God's Love and Commitment

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:3
- Genesis 1:26
- Hosea 4:6

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 1:3 reveal about the nature of the blessings Christians receive? How are these blessings described in the sermon? [00:22]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"? [36:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the Apostle Paul's writing style, particularly in relation to Ephesians 1:3? [01:21]
4. What role does understanding the doctrines of scripture play in the Christian life, according to the sermon? [08:05]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between understanding the plan of salvation and experiencing the fullness of the Christian life? [07:01]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that praise and thanksgiving are fundamental to the Christian life? How does this relate to the early Christians in the Book of Acts? [12:19]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of Trinitarian worship in the Christian faith? How does this understanding affect our worship practices? [20:41]
4. How does the sermon describe the Covenant of Grace, and why is it central to our understanding of salvation? [36:14]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the doctrines of salvation. How might a deeper understanding of these doctrines impact your daily Christian walk? [08:05]
2. Consider the role of praise and thanksgiving in your life. How can you cultivate a more genuine and heartfelt response to God's grace in your daily routine? [13:13]
3. How can you incorporate a Trinitarian perspective into your personal worship and prayer life? What changes might this require in your current practices? [20:41]
4. The sermon emphasizes the eternal planning of our salvation. How does this perspective change the way you view your relationship with God and His purpose for your life? [32:39]
5. Think about a time when you were captivated by the beauty of scripture but missed its deeper meaning. How can you ensure that you are not just charmed by the words but also understand their profound truths? [02:08]
6. The sermon suggests that a lack of knowledge can lead to spiritual deficiencies. What steps can you take to increase your understanding of scripture and its doctrines? [08:35]
7. How does the concept of the Covenant of Grace influence your view of God's commitment to humanity? How can this understanding enhance your worship and adoration of God? [36:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding the Depth of Salvation
Understanding the profound truths of scripture, particularly the doctrines of salvation, is essential for a vibrant Christian life. A lack of knowledge often leads to spiritual deficiencies, and it is through understanding that we can fully experience the blessings of grace and peace. Paul’s writing in Ephesians 1:3 serves as a reminder of the profound blessings available to Christians and the divine plan that makes these blessings possible. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the doctrines of scripture, as a lack of knowledge often leads to deficiencies in the Christian life. The key to experiencing the fullness of the Christian life lies in understanding the plan of salvation and the role of the Holy Trinity in it. [08:05]

Ephesians 4:13-14 (ESV): "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of the doctrines of salvation and how they apply to your life?


Day 2: Praise as a Response to Grace
Praise and thanksgiving are fundamental characteristics of the Christian life. True praise arises from a deep understanding of God's grace and the realization of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. This is not about superficial expressions but a heartfelt response to God's goodness. The verse in Ephesians 1:3 highlights the importance of praise and thanksgiving in the Christian life. True understanding of salvation naturally leads to a life of praise, as seen in the lives of the early Christians in the Book of Acts. This praise is not superficial but stems from a deep realization of God's grace and peace. [12:19]

Psalm 103:1-2 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

Reflection: Identify one specific blessing in your life today and spend time in heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to God for it.


Day 3: Trinitarian Worship
Christian worship must be Trinitarian, acknowledging the distinct roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation. This understanding enriches our worship and aligns it with the biblical model. The planning of our salvation was not an afterthought but a divine council held before the foundation of the world. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each took on specific roles in this plan, demonstrating the economic Trinity. This eternal covenant, often referred to as the Covenant of Grace, underscores the depth of God's love and commitment to humanity. [20:41]

2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a more Trinitarian focus in your personal worship and prayer life this week?


Day 4: The Eternal Plan of Salvation
The plan of salvation was established before the foundation of the world, demonstrating God's eternal purpose and love for humanity. This divine council involved the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each taking on specific roles in the redemption of mankind. Understanding this covenant is essential for true worship and adoration of God. The verse in Ephesians 1:3 serves as a reminder of the profound blessings available to Christians and the divine plan that makes these blessings possible. [32:39]

1 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

Reflection: Reflect on the eternal nature of God's plan for salvation. How does this understanding impact your view of God's love and purpose for your life?


Day 5: The Covenant of Grace
The Covenant of Grace, established between the Father and the Son, is central to our understanding of salvation. This covenant underscores the depth of God's commitment to humanity and is the basis for all the blessings we receive in Christ. The planning of our salvation was not an afterthought but a divine council held before the foundation of the world. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each took on specific roles in this plan, demonstrating the economic Trinity. [36:14]

Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: How does the understanding of the Covenant of Grace influence your relationship with God and your daily walk with Him?

Quotes



The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the doctrines of scripture, as a lack of knowledge often leads to deficiencies in the Christian life. The key to experiencing the fullness of the Christian life lies in understanding the plan of salvation and the role of the Holy Trinity in it. [00:06:10]

Praise and thanksgiving are fundamental characteristics of the Christian life. True praise arises from a deep understanding of God's grace and the realization of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. This is not about superficial expressions but a heartfelt response to God's goodness. [00:11:10]

Christian worship must be Trinitarian, acknowledging the distinct roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation. This understanding enriches our worship and aligns it with the biblical model. [00:19:26]

The plan of salvation was established before the foundation of the world, demonstrating God's eternal purpose and love for humanity. This divine council involved the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each taking on specific roles in the redemption of mankind. [00:32:39]

The Covenant of Grace, established between the Father and the Son, is central to our understanding of salvation. This covenant underscores the depth of God's commitment to humanity and is the basis for all the blessings we receive in Christ. [00:36:14]

The realization of the truth concerning our Redemption always leads to praise. You notice how it bursts forth. Think of it if you like in terms of an orchestra and there stands the conductor already and here's this tremendous burst with all the power and the magnificence. [00:09:32]

The Apostle Praises God because he did understand the doctrine. It was as the result of his contemplation of it that he does praise, so that when he begins to write it's in the background of all this that he's been contemplating and realizing, so he starts with his praise. [00:11:10]

The planning of our salvation was not an afterthought but a divine council held before the foundation of the world. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each took on specific roles in this plan, demonstrating the economic Trinity. [00:32:39]

Understanding the profound truths of scripture, particularly the doctrines of salvation, is essential for a vibrant Christian life. A lack of knowledge often leads to spiritual deficiencies, and it is through understanding that we can fully experience the blessings of grace and peace. [00:08:05]

The Apostle Paul writes this letter that these people might understand these things, not simply experience something, but look at it from God's end, from God's Eternal purpose. These people who were many of them slaves hadn't had a secondary or even a primary education. [00:28:48]

The ultimate characteristic of God's people, of Christians, is praise and thanksgiving. You can't read your New Testament Epistles without finding the same thing. This is the great appeal always, isn't it? Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice. Rejoice ever more. [00:12:19]

The Apostle Paul always does that, again he never fails to do it, and he delights in doing it. He delights in mentioning the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And once more may we pause for a moment to ask a question: is this true of our worship? [00:20:41]

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Transcript
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