Scripture . Text: Eph. Also Jesus taught that to be included among the “chosen,” people must not only be invited, they must also accept the invitation. The blessings we have in Christ are more than social niceties like saying “Gesundheit” after someone sneezes. However, Paul tells us a different story. Introduction -- turn in Bibles to Mark 10:13-16 . b. Jn. c. It is a fight that we can win because God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in that realm. In the story of Naaman there are several hindrances that we can see that we need to steer clear of if we want the blessings of God to be in our lives. Feb 12 Ephesians 1:4-6 | Spiritual Blessings in Christ. With all wisdom and understanding. He has blessed us to the fullest, adopted those who believe into His family, and given us the seal of His Spirit so we can live our lives according to the calling we have received. Ephesians 1:22; He has one body. So Paul expresses in this opening of Ephesians why God created us anyway, knowing we would fall into sin. (. The second kind is known as the unique blessings which include both spiritual and material riches but available only to God’s children. 3. The Spiritual Blessing of Our Inheritance Ephesians 1:11-14 Ephes. What are these spiritual blessings? He explains its origins from before Creation, illustrates the parts fulfilled by each expression of the Trinity, and concludes by outlining how humankind experiences the benefits of this gracious plan. Ephesians 4:4-6; In the body the saved are found. Notice when He chose us and why He chose us – compare John 15: 16 and l Pet. The world or Christ. The answer to this question sets the stage for what boundaries you live under. 2. Rom 8:16-17 NLT 17 And since we are his children, we will share his treasures--for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. There is a realm of existence that we deal with every day that you cannot touch, smell, or taste. 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. It is these character traits that the Spirit leads us to. who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (literally means “blessed be”) which echoes a Hebrew liturgical phrase common in Jewish synagogue worship. God reaches to us, and we reach out to God in response, please don’t read this verse wrongly and feel your salvation has been sealed through you blood line, you ethnicity, or the fact that you grew up in a Christian home. We are not our looking for the elect, we are all the elect because God chose to make humanity, and wants to save everyone. The Holy Spirit is the part of the trinity that works in us, convicting us so we live within the boundaries set out by God. Transition: First, we must realize that we have been blessed with... 1. I encourage you to take a moment and read through the entire scripture passage. God chose us, we are not forced upon Him, He wanted us! In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Start living like those who have been blessed in Christ. This entire section Paul talk’s about how blessed we are as God’s people, to be given this plan of salvation. It is a preposition, it locates our position in relationship with Christ. Spiritual Blessings. Paul is standing on his tippy toes in excitement, crying out praises to God. A man who had been a drunkard on Chicago’s Skid Row for many years came to a half-way house ate a meal and went to bed. If you need the faith to believe God for a miracle, He has already given it to you. 1. We were not chosen so that we could remain in sin, but so that we could be people of righteousness, Scriptures: Salvation was a plan put together before creation. Our salvation was certainly no after-thought in the mind of God; the whole plan was conceived in eternity past. Believer, do you ever wonder whether after all you will be saved? Although we’re usually thankful for blessings, such as good health and family, we should not overlook the many spiritual blessings we gain through Jesus Christ. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. What the Holy Spirit does: His presence serves as a special seal on our hearts. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Be faithful to God in these areas, and you will unlock his blessings. A beautiful way to begin any new year is with a doxology - an expression of praise to God. 4. Paul shows us each trinitarian role within God’s salvation plan. God’s Richest Blessings. There are many Christians today that walk around with an interiority complex because they do not realize the blessings that they have in Christ. SERMON: THE POWER OF BLESSINGS 27 August 2017. 3. a. Ps. We need to know that it is a fight that we do not have to run from. How do we come to enjoy spiritual blessings? the true hindrances that keep most of us from receiving spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:1-10. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. Ephesians 1:1 -14. I believe that if Paul were here today he would tell us that we need to recognize just how blessed we are as Christians. 2. At times as we look around us and see the "apparent" prosperity of the The word “predestine” in greek (proorizo) means literally “to set out boundaries in advance.”. In the concept of the two Kingdoms, we are from and belong in the heavenlies, yet are physically here on earth. I. Contrary to some beliefs, they are not some mysterious power or cosmic connection reserved for a … Become more like Jesus, and less like the world we live in. Joseph Prince. c. He has blessed you with every spritual blessing. Assembly Of God. He is saying that God is worthy to receive our praises. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. What are these spiritual blessings, and what do they do for us? But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”. 5. Spiritual blessings. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Let’s read it one section at a time to understand these blessings. Whatever we need to do what God desires of us has already been provided. Our Spiritual Blessing Jesse M. Hendley Ephesians 1:3 The Book of Ephesians, friends, is a marvelous, tremendous Book that unfolds God's Mind and His Blessings for the individual saint, for the Church and for the entire world. Paul says God "has blessed us with every spiritual blessing...". "We have experienced God’s precious Grace in bringing us into His family, adopting us as sons and daughters with all the benefits that go along with that honor". b. What is the nature or character of the blessings we enjoy? In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Spiritual blessings: Ephesians 1 tells us that we have received forgiveness of sins, blamelessness, and full acceptance in Christ! Introduction. Deepen my prayer life. Illustration: It is like telling your wife you love her only because she cooks your supper and washes your clothes. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In the NT when God blesses, it can be material, but more importantly it’s spiritual, because that is what transforms us into the likeness of Christ. It’s like we are in exile from our homes, waiting to return. He hath blessed us with all these spiritual heavenly blessings — with all of them. What a marvel of sovereign grace this is! Illustration: A Roman historian named Titus Livius once said, "Men are slower to recognize blessings than misfortunes. EPH 1:1-14 Central Text: "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:" (vs.3) Introduction: Notice that Paul says ALL spiritual blessings. When did this selection occur: Before he made the world. 1:3-14. Listen Now. Denomination: He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things; that it to say, spiritual heavenly blessings, as contrasted with the earthly and temporal blessings. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. He has not blessed us with a few blessings, or some blessings, but every spiritual blessing. Illustration: A Roman historian named Titus Livius once said, "Men are slower to recognize blessings than misfortunes. Physical blessings: At the cross, Jesus purchased peace, healing, and provision for us. 1. The simple fact is, He chose us, we didn’t chose Him. THE QUALIFICATION FOR THESE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. In love. Yet, not everyone will chose God. To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. b. a. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). KJV Sermon Outlines. While acknowledging God gives common grace to everyone, the Holy Spirit gives unique grace that only Christians enjoy. Ephesians. Now, friends, there are some earthly temporal blessings with which God does not bless. a. When Paul says Praise be to God, he is literally acknowledging God’s grace, praising God’s glory, by worshiping him. 100:4-5 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Text: Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Many times we forget the greatest blessings of all because they are not so easily seen - we see the time we get a raise God didn’t predestine which people would accept Christ; He predestined that whoever did accept Him would be adopted into the family. Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. Taken from the Pauline epistles, here are 120 spiritual blessings that the Lord Jesus Christ gave us the moment we trusted in Him as our personal Saviour. … This view ignores the fact that throughout the NT people are told to repent and are offered salvation, and their destiny depends upon their response. is “the gospel in a nutshell.” If this is true, the section of scripture that we are going to look at today is the tree that the nut fell from. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Paul expresses this in Galatians. And it is in the areas of loss where I feel my need most intensely. 2 Cor. Photo by Ron Smith on Unsplash. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. "THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF THE BELIEVER" EPHESIANS 1:1-14 INTRO: In many ways it could be said that the BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST is the RICHEST AND MOST BLESSED PERSON ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. Let’s look at the 15 Spiritual Blessings Paul declares over you… 1. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. a. Read 1:4-6. Eph.1:3 Simpson THE GREATEST BLESSING IS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER - The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. B. Blessings … We are in Him, inside His body, in the church. For example, we: Were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. However, we also need to recognize what He has done for us. Paul had passed through on his 2nd journey,Acts 18:19 and 3rd missionary journey,this time Paul spent 3 years with them in Ephesus. These are the two themes of this sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 3. An Amazing Expression of God’s Plan of Salvation. Whilst Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He chose us to be holy, set apart, consecrated, and with out spot or defect. 1:15-16. I. PRECONCEIVED IDEAS WILL HINDER US FROM SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS … The main blessing is that through Jesus, God has adopted us into his family (1:5)—he has brought us into a Father/King-child/prince relationship with himself. he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 13-14). I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. We can notice two things: He did the choosing. He can’t express in words just how huge God’s plan of salvation is, so the original text runs as one long sentence. It is a fight that we do not have to shy away from. Paul’s reference that our blessings are in “The Heavenly Realm” means that our blessings in Christ are not simply material, they are spiritual. Temporal blessings as not definite marks of divine favour, since God gives them to … 4. If you don't have kids of your own, bless and affirm the children in your life. 1:11-14 (ESV) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to… I want to remind the parents today that you have the ability to pass on spiritual blessings to your children. What was that purpose? Paul is describing how we have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing.” Often, when we hear of these blessings, we just smile and nod and utter a polite “Thanks,” as though someone has just blessed a sneezing fit. Our Spiritual Blessings In Christ. Spiritual blessings. The heavenlies is where the spiritual world functions, at work all around us. Before God even made humankind, he knew the direction we would go. the Son. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. An enlightened man is grateful to God for temporal blessings; but he is much more grateful to God for spiritual blessings, for temporal blessings do not last long; they are soon gone. a. a. he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. You can look at this in every concordance known to man and it is still going to mean God chose us. This is where we are from, where we belong. b. The Lord has promised us amazing spiritual blessings as a result of our salvation. Introduction to Ephesus Written around 60 AD. Ephesians 1:3–14 NIV. Read and rest upon verse 4, cast away your doubts forever – and look up John 6: 37-39. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. To bless God means we worship Him. Why did this selection occur: So that we might be “holy and blameless. When we believe that Jesus is God’s Son Who died on the cross for our sins and rose again and then we receive Him as our Lord, we enter a wonderful relationship with God as our Father. The Spirit lead life is the evidence of salvation. 2. b. We have been given ALL the blessings that we need in Christ. 2. There are many Christians today that walk around with an interiority complex because they do not realize the blessings that they have in Christ. a. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Ephesians 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." A. Blessings come through a relationship. The only way to enjoy these spiritual blessings is in the Son; it’s in union, it’s in trusting, it’s in faith in Jesus Christ that we find the sphere, the arena, of these spiritual blessings. Articles and sermon outlines written by members of the churches of Christ. ... Victoria Osteen - Pass On Spiritual Blessings. INTRODUCTION: [ Beginning of this sermon on Ephesians 1:3-14 ] A. But God is reaching out, giving them every opportunity to find Him. He would tell us to: Proposition: Start living like those who have been blessed in Christ. In today’s sermon, we are going to look at six areas of life that people are being most unfaithful and what does the Bible say about it. This is one of three sermons entitled "Spiritual Blessings" encompassed in the Triune God. This is the great truth of Election. This wonderful book was written toward the end of the first century and sent to a whole group of churches. Are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who guides and enables us to do the Father’s will. This verse can be wrongly understood as saying God chooses some people to go to heaven and some to go to Hell, regardless of a persons choice, they would say our destiny has already been predetermined. Paul says "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world...". 1. a. Big Idea: God has laid out a plan for our salvation since before the creation of the world. Ephesians 5:23; In … They are so great that only the almighty, sovereign God of the universe could have made them. He sweat blood in the garden of Gethsemane to redeem us from stress and negative thoughts, and give to us peace and sound minds. A. They see themselves as unworthy of the blessings of Christ. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. First, "we should be holy and without blame before Him in love...". Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Spiritual Blessings In Christ. The word that Paul is using here literally means "one who is worthy of blessings" (Rogers and Rogers, 434). Those who accept Christ have been adopted into God’s family. Paul has given us a wonderful explanation of salvation. B. Paul calls himself an apostle of Jesus (Apostle means "to send out"). Copyright © 2003-2021 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Sermons on Spiritual Blessings. The trinity is expressed in this section of scripture as the source of salvation. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. 1. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Joseph Prince - Looking To Jesus: The Key To Blessings And Victory. 5. We are given seven spiritual blessings that all of God’s children share: We are told the secret of His will (v. 9), We are sealed with the Spirit (vv. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. My desire for God is greatly fueled by my need. Why the Holy Spirit does it: His presence guarantees our eternal security. The last two words of verse 3 tell us what a person must do to enjoy all of these spiritual blessings. Earthly blessings … He has given us these blessings in the "heavenly places in Christ.". David McLemore. When you read what is in Ephesians, your soul is amazed. Sermon Ephesians 1:3–14 “Spiritual Blessings” New Covenant Church July 15, 2018 I am beginning today a summer sermon series on the Book of Ephesians. They see themselves as ill-prepared to do whatever God asks them to do. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. b. b. 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, Ephes. He has given us every spiritual blessing we will ever need. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE SPIRIT ARE AVAILABLE TO US NOW IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all the blessings of the Spirit in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus. , but now he commands all people everywhere to repent up John 6:.. 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