SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FROM GOD
TEXT: Ephesians 1:1-4
Introduction: We probably know as much about the church in Ephesus as any other congregation in the New Testament. Acts 19 & 20; bks. of Eph., 1 & 2 Tim.; Rev. ch. 2
Read TEXT. KJV=“all spiritual blessings.” The theme of the book is the role of the church in God’s scheme for the redemption of mankind through Christ.
Paul here affirms that every spiritual blessing is “in Christ,” and throughout the book Paul argues that the church is made up of those who are “in Christ.”
The aim of this lesson is to examine some of the TITLE.
I. His Son
A. God gave us His Son: Jn. 3:16
B. The Son was sent to be our Savior: 1 Jn. 4:14 (Matt. 1:21; Lk. 2:11, 19:10; 1 Tim. 1:15)
C. The means by which He became our Savior was by His death: Rom. 5:8, 1 Cor. 15:3
II. Redemption
A. Because God gave us His Son, we can have redemption through Him: Col. 1:13-14
B. Redemption from sin is mankind’s greatest need: Rom. 3:23-26
C. We can’t buy it—only blood of Jesus makes it possible: 1 Pet. 1:18-19
III. The word
A. To tell us of redemption and what we must do to receive it, God gave us His Word: 2 Tim. 3:16-17
B. The word or gospel reveals God’s plan for our salvation: Rom. 1:16-17
C. It also provides guidance and direction for our lives as Christians: Acts 20:32
IV. Prayer
A. God talks to us through His word, and we talk to Him through prayer: Phil. 4:6-7
B. It is obvious that God wants His people to pray to Him: 1 Thess. 5:16-18, 1 Tim. 2:1-3
C. Why is prayer so important?: Heb. 4:14-16
V. Continual access to forgiveness
A. One benefit of prayer for the Christian is the opportunity to confess sin and receive forgiveness: 1 Jn. 1:8-9
B. An example: Acts 8:13-24
C. Forgiveness is available but we must repent: 2 Cor. 7:9-10
VI. The hope of heaven
A. This is the greatest blessing that God can give us: 1 Pet. 1:3-5
B. Jesus wants us to be in heaven with Him: Rev. 2:7; 3:5, 12, 21
C. But why should we want to go there—to be with Christ and to avoid the alternative: Matt. 25:34, 41, 46
Conclusion: Others—church, fellowship of faithful saints, opportunities to assemble for worship; Jas. 1:17
But all these spiritual blessings are in Christ—how to get into Christ?: Gal. 3:26-27

By Wayne S. Walker

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