BLESSED WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS
EPHESIANS 1:1-14
Introduction:
Key verses, 5-6, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
We are surely blessed, as we shall see.
I. HE HATH CHOSEN US
v. 4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.”
A. After you heard the Word, v. 13, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth,” Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1. You were the servants of sin, Romans 6:17, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”
2. You received the word of God, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
B. To the praise of the glory of his grace, v. 6, “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
1. To shew the exceeding riches of his grace, Ephesians 2:7, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
a. He had mercy on us according to His loving kindness, Psalm 51:1, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
b. He had mercy on us because of His great love, Romans 9:15-16, “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
2. To show forth His praise, Isaiah 43:21, “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”
a. The Lord has set apart the godly for Himself, Psalm 4:3-5, “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”
b. We are a peculiar people, 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
II. IN HIM WE HAVE …
v. 7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
A. Redemption through His Blood (a releasing effected by payment of ransom), 1 Corinthians 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
1. He is our righteousness, Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
2. He is our sanctification (to render or acknowledge to be hallowed or holy), Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
B. Forgiveness of sins, Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
C. According as he hath chosen us, v. 4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.” Matthew 11:25, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”
CONCLUSION