Ephesians_1

Scripture

Ephesians 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.

Observation - What does it say?

In this opening section of his letter to the Christians living in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul praises God for all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. 

Understanding - What does it mean?God has freely given us every spiritual blessing in Christ. 

From a spiritual standpoint, there is nothing we lack if we believe in Jesus. We have already been adopted as sons and daughters, already been forgiven, already stand in right relationship with God, already have his favor and blessing, already have been given the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us, already have the promise of eternal life. All of this has been freely given to us simply because of our belief in Jesus.

 

Yet, sometimes we fell as though we have to do something more than believe. We feel compelled to pray more so God will really love us, compelled to go to church or help others or tithe so we can be certain we’re really forgiven and saved. But the truth in this verse is that there’s nothing we could do to get more from God because every spiritual blessing has already been given to us. As Paul points out in the next chapter, nothing we’ve received from God has been a result of our works or good deeds:

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Life Application

God, please forgive me for the times I’ve attempted to earn something you’ve freely given me. Jesus, your sacrifice on the cross was sufficient payment for us to receive every spiritual blessing. Rather than attempting to earn anything, I choose to joyfully receive every spiritual blessing from you. And I choose to worship! Not so I can have an emotional experience or to get something else, but in response to the riches of your grace that you have lavished on us. You are worth of praise! Amen.

 

- Levi Thompson