Heavenly Blessings Series

Ephesians 1:1-6, Heavenly Blessings

Greetings: The Lord is good and his love endures forever.

GOOD MORNING SAINTS!!

This month our theme is ‘Things from Above’ based on Colossians 3:2. Today, I would like to share with you the heavenly blessings we enjoy in our lives based on Ephesians 1:1-6. Let us think of three blessings that we enjoy through Christ Jesus. First is THE STATUS of our lives, the SALVATION in Christ, and the third is the SURETY (SEAL) in the Holy Spirit.

1. STATUS IS A GIFT - Ephesians 1:1-3

Paul says that he was an apostle and the Ephesians were the saints. Ephesians was written to give revelation of a grand summary of what it means to be a Christian. The book of Ephesians is “the Queen of Epistles” or “the crown of Paulinism.” Paul an apostle possessed the authority that has been delegated to him through Divine appointment. The word “grace” is derived from the Greek word Charis, which means charm. The word “peace” comes from the Greek word Eirene, Hebrew is shalom.

Ephesians 1:1 Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, good Pleasure of his will (Ephesians 1:5), Mystery of his will (Ephesians 1:9), counsel and will (Ephesians 1:12). Understanding Mystery of Christ, plan of the mystery (Ephesians 3:4, 9), Servant of the gospel (Ephesians 3:7). (Why I am a Pastor in Methodist? Is it because I married Uma? Is it because I was afraid of my existential problems away from Methodist during 1997-99? Or is it the will of God?)

Remember you are a gentle, alien, stranger, without circumcision, without hope, without Christ (Ephesians 2:11-12). Now, one humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:15). Heavenly citizen, member of God’s family, fellow heirs and shareholders of promise (Ephesians 2:19,3:6), the dwelling place of God (Ephesians 2:22). Now he works by the power to accomplish (Ephesians 3:20). You are dead through trespass and sin, children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1,3), you live in the course of the world and passions and desires of the flesh and senses (Ephesians 2:2,3). You following the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2).

Your Gifted in the church as Apostle, prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher for to equip, to have unity and to maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13), live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8), to know what is pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:10), live as wise (Ephesians 5:15), redeem most of the time (Ephesians 5:15), and understand the will of God (Ephesians 5:17),

You are a Prisoner in Christ (Ephesians 4:1), which means an ambassador in chains (Ephesians 6:20). Do good to receive the good (Ephesians 6:8), be strong in the Lord and in his strength (Ephesians 6:10), and put on the whole Armor of God, take up the whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10, 13).

2. SALVATION IS A GIFT – Ephesians 1:4-8

Ephesians 1:3-9 Blessed us, chose us, redeemed us, forgave us and adopted us as children, Be holy and blameless. He chose us in Him – to be holy and blameless (v. 4). Predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ (v. 5).

God has chosen his people for a purpose, the purpose of Holiness and to lead a life worthy, a life of acceptance, a life exemplary, and a life approved by others. The purpose is not only to grant eternal life, not only to bless us, not only to keep us safe but to keep us as his only trusted comrades to represent him in the earthly life. Ephesians 4:1 -live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Mathew 10:31 -you are worth more than many sparrows.

We are called to live a new life (Romans 6:4). Live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Live by the spirit and not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). Live a life of love with a pleasing odor, fragrance (Ephesians 5:2). Live carefully as wise (Ephesians 5:15). Walk in the light (1 John 1:7). Walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6).

Jesus walked with love, compassion, kindness, humility, and sacrifice. He never retaliated, never scolded anyone (1 Peter 2:21-24). We are called to do a commendable job and live a commendable life (1 Peter 2:19-20). Philippians 1:27 – whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

The ancient Roman world had the rule that an adopted boy would usually be the oldest, with proven health and abilities. Adoption for two main purposes: (1) to provide a child to a childless couple, (2) to assist the adopting parents in their old age, and to perform their last rites. The first Roman emperor Augustus was an adopted son of Julius Caesar. He did not use the name "Octavianus" which will refer to his humble beginning but preferred to emphasize his new status Augustus (44 BC until 27 BC).