Ephesians 1:3
Verse
Context
Spiritual Blessings
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love
Sermons
J. Vernon McGee
Alan Redpath
Erwin Lutzer
Paris Reidhead
William MacDonaldSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blessed be the God - See the note on Co2 1:3, where the same form is used. With all spiritual blessings - With the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and the abundant gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, justifying, sanctifying, and building us up on our most holy faith. In heavenly places - Εν τοις επουρανιοις· In heavenly things, such as those mentioned above; they were not yet in heavenly places, but they had abundance of heavenly things to prepare them for heavenly places. Some think the word should be understood as signifying blessings of the most exalted or excellent kind, such as are spiritual in opposition to those that are earthly, such as are eternal in opposition to those that are temporal; and all these in, through and by Christ. We have already seen, on Gal 4:26, that the heavenly Jerusalem, or Jerusalem which is from above, is used by the Jews to signify the days of the Messiah, and that state of grace and glory which should follow the Levitical worship and ceremonies; and it is possible that St. Paul may use the word επουρανια, heavenly things, in this sense: God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things, or in this heavenly state, in which life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel. This is apparently the preferable sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The doxologies in almost all the Epistles imply the real sense of grace experienced by the writers and their readers (Pe1 1:3). Eph 1:3-14 sets forth summarily the Gospel of the grace of God: the FATHER'S work of love, Eph 1:3 (choosing us to holiness, Eph 1:4; to sonship, Eph 1:5; to acceptance, Eph 1:6): the SON'S, Eph 1:7 (redemption, Eph 1:7; knowledge of the mystery of His will, Eph 1:9; an inheritance, Eph 1:11); the HOLY SPIRIT'S, Eph 1:13 (sealing, Eph 1:13; giving an earnest of the inheritance, Eph 1:14). the God and Father of . . . Christ--and so the God and Father of us who are in Him (Joh 20:17). God is "the God" of the man Jesus, and "the Father" of the Divine Word. The Greek is, "Blessed us," not "hath blessed us"; referring to the past original counsel of God. As in creation (Gen 1:22) so in redemption (Gen 12:3; Mat 5:3-11; Mat 25:34) God "blesses" His children; and that not in mere words, but in acts. us--all Christians. blessings--Greek, "blessing." "All," that is, "every possible blessing for time and eternity, which the Spirit has to bestow" (so "spiritual" means; not "spiritual," as the term is now used, as opposed to bodily). in heavenly places--a phrase five times found in this Epistle, and not elsewhere (Eph 1:20; Eph 2:6; Eph 3:10; Eph 6:12); Greek, "in the heavenly places." Christ's ascension is the means of introducing us into the heavenly places, which by our sin were barred against us. Compare the change made by Christ (Col 1:20; Eph 1:20). While Christ in the flesh was in the form of a servant, God's people could not realize fully their heavenly privileges as sons. Now "our citizenship (Greek) is in heaven" (Phi 3:20), where our High Priest is ever "blessing" us. Our "treasures" are there (Mat 6:20-21); our aims and affections (Col 3:1-2); our hope (Col 1:5; Tit 2:13); our inheritance (Pe1 1:4). The gift of the Spirit itself, the source of the "spiritual blessing," is by virtue of Jesus having ascended thither (Eph 4:8). in Christ--the center and source of all blessing to us.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
He begins with thanksgivings and praise, and enlarges with a great deal of fluency and copiousness of affection upon the exceedingly great and precious benefits which we enjoy by Jesus Christ. For the great privileges of our religion are very aptly recounted and enlarged upon in our praises to God. I. In general he blesses God for spiritual blessings, Eph 1:3, where he styles him the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for, as Mediator, the Father was his God; as God, and the second person in the blessed Trinity, God was his Father. It bespeaks the mystical union between Christ and believers, that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is their God and Father, and that in and through him. All blessings come from God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. No good can be expected from a righteous and holy God to sinful creatures, but by his mediation. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Note, Spiritual blessings are the best blessings with which God blesses us, and for which we are to bless him. He blesses us by bestowing such things upon us as make us really blessed. We cannot thus bless God again; but must do it by praising, and magnifying, and speaking well of him on that account. Those whom God blesses with some he blesses with all spiritual blessings; to whom he gives Christ, he freely gives all these things. It is not so with temporal blessings; some are favoured with health, and not with riches; some with riches, and not with health, etc. But, where God blesses with spiritual blessings, he blesses with all. They are spiritual blessings in heavenly places; that is, say some, in the church, distinguished from the world, and called out of it. Or it may be read, in heavenly things, such as come from heaven, and are designed to prepare men for it, and to secure their reception into it. We should hence learn to mind spiritual and heavenly things as the principal things, spiritual and heavenly blessings as the best blessings, with which we cannot be miserable and without which we cannot but be so. Set not your affections on things on the earth, but on those things which are above. These we are blessed with in Christ; for, as all our services ascend to God through Christ, so all our blessings are conveyed to us in the same way, he being the Mediator between God and us. II. The particular spiritual blessings with which we are blessed in Christ, and for which we ought to bless God, are (many of them) here enumerated and enlarged upon. 1. Election and predestination, which are the secret springs whence the others flow, Eph 1:4, Eph 1:5, Eph 1:11. Election, or choice, respects that lump or mass of mankind out of which some are chosen, from which they are separated and distinguished. Predestination has respect to the blessings they are designed for; particularly the adoption of children, it being the purpose of God that in due time we should become his adopted children, and so have a right to all the privileges and to the inheritance of children. We have here the date of this act of love: it was before the foundation of the world; not only before God's people had a being, but before the world had a beginning; for they were chosen in the counsel of God from all eternity. It magnifies these blessings to a high degree that they are the products of eternal counsel. The alms which you give to beggars at your doors proceed from a sudden resolve; but the provision which a parent makes for his children is the result of many thoughts, and is put into his last will and testament with a great deal of solemnity. And, as this magnifies divine love, so it secures the blessings to God's elect; for the purpose of God according to election shall stand. He acts in pursuance of his eternal purpose in bestowing spiritual blessings upon his people. He hath blessed us - according as he hath chosen us in him, in Christ the great head of the election, who is emphatically called God's elect, his chosen; and in the chosen Redeemer an eye of favour was cast upon them. Observe here one great end and design of this choice: chosen - that we should be holy; not because he foresaw they would be holy, but because he determined to make them so. All who are chosen to happiness as the end are chosen to holiness as the means. Their sanctification, as well as their salvation, is the result of the counsels of divine love. - And without blame before him - that their holiness might not be merely external and in outward appearance, so as to prevent blame from men, but internal and real, and what God himself, who looketh at the heart, will account such, such holiness as proceeds from love to God and to our fellow-creatures, this charity being the principle of all true holiness. The original word signifies such an innocence as no man can carp at; and therefore some understand it of that perfect holiness which the saints shall attain in the life to come, which will be eminently before God, they being in his immediate presence for ever. Here is also the rule and the fontal cause of God's election: it is according to the good pleasure of his will (Eph 1:5), not for the sake of any thing in them foreseen, but because it was his sovereign will, and a thing highly pleasing to him. It is according to the purpose, the fixed and unalterable will, of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (Eph 1:11), who powerfully accomplishes whatever concerns his elect, as he has wisely and freely fore-ordained and decreed, the last and great end and design of all which is his own glory: To the praise of the glory of his grace (Eph 1:6), that we should be to the praise of his glory (Eph 1:12), that is, that we should live and behave ourselves in such a manner that his rich grace might be magnified, and appear glorious, and worthy of the highest praise. All is of God, and from him, and through him, and therefore all must be to him, and centre in his praise. Note, The glory of God is his own end, and it should be ours in all that we do. This passage has been understood by some in a very different sense, and with a special reference to the conversion of these Ephesians to Christianity. Those who have a mind to see what is said to this purpose may consult Mr. Locke, and other well-known writers, on the place. 2. The next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of is acceptance with God through Jesus Christ: Wherein, or by which grace, he hath made us accepted in the beloved, Eph 1:6. Jesus Christ is the beloved of his Father (Mat 3:17), as well as of angels and saints. It is our great privilege to be accepted of God, which implies his love to us and his taking us under his care and into his family. We cannot be thus accepted of God, but in and through Jesus Christ. He loves his people for the sake of the beloved. 3. Remission of sins, and redemption through the blood of Jesus, Eph 1:7. No remission without redemption. It was by reason of sin that we were captivated, and we cannot be released from our captivity but by the remission of our sins. This redemption we have in Christ, and this remission through his blood. The guilt and the stain of sin could be no otherwise removed than by the blood of Jesus. All our spiritual blessings flow down to us in that stream. This great benefit, which comes freely to us, was dearly bought and paid for by our blessed Lord; and yet it is according to the riches of God's grace. Christ's satisfaction and God's rich grace are very consistent in the great affair of man's redemption. God was satisfied by Christ as our substitute and surety; but it was rich grace that would accept of a surety, when he might have executed the severity of the law upon the transgressor, and it was rich grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely to deliver him up, when nothing of that nature could have entered into our thoughts, nor have been any otherwise found out for us. In this instance he has not only manifested riches of grace, but has abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence (Eph 1:8), wisdom in contriving the dispensation, and prudence in executing the counsel of his will, as he has done. How illustrious have the divine wisdom and prudence rendered themselves, in so happily adjusting the matter between justice and mercy in this grand affair, in securing the honour of God and his law, at the same time that the recovery of sinners and their salvation are ascertained and made sure! 4. Another privilege which the apostle here blesses God for is divine revelation - that God hath made known to us the mystery of his will (Eph 1:9), that is, so much of his good-will to men, which had been concealed for a long time, and is still concealed from so great a part of the world: this we owe to Christ, who, having lain in the bosom of the Father from eternity, came to declare his will to the children of men. According to his good pleasure, his secret counsels concerning man's redemption, which he had purposed, or resolved upon, merely in and from himself, and not for any thing in them. In this revelation, and in his making known unto us the mystery of his will, the wisdom and the prudence of God do abundantly shine forth. It is described (Eph 1:13) as the word of truth, and the gospel of our salvation. Every word of it is true. It contains and instructs us in the most weighty and important truths, and it is confirmed and sealed by the very oath of God, whence we should learn to betake ourselves to it in all our searches after divine truth. It is the gospel of our salvation: it publishes the glad tidings of salvation, and contains the offer of it: it points out the way that leads to it; and the blessed Spirit renders the reading and the ministration of it effectual to the salvation of souls. O, how ought we to prize this glorious gospel and to bless God for it! This is the light shining in a dark place, for which we have reason to be thankful, and to which we should take heed. 5. Union in and with Christ is a great privilege, a spiritual blessing, and the foundation of many others. He gathers together in one all things in Christ, Eph 1:10. All the lines of divine revelation meet in Christ; all religion centres in him. Jews and Gentiles were united to each other by being both united to Christ. Things in heaven and things on earth are gathered together in him; peace made, correspondence settled, between heaven and earth, through him. The innumerable company of angels become one with the church through Christ: this God purposed in himself, and it was his design in that dispensation which was to be accomplished by his sending Christ in the fulness of time, at the exact time that God had prefixed and settled. 6. The eternal inheritance is the great blessing with which we are blessed in Christ: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, Eph 1:11. Heaven is the inheritance, the happiness of which is a sufficient portion for a soul: it is conveyed in the way of an inheritance, being the gift of a Father to his children. If children, then heirs. All the blessings that we have in hand are but small if compared with the inheritance. What is laid out upon an heir in his minority is nothing to what is reserved for him when he comes to age. Christians are said to have obtained this inheritance, as they have a present right to it, and even actual possession of it, in Christ their head and representative. 7. The seal and earnest of the Spirit are of the number of these blessings. We are said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13. The blessed Spirit is holy himself, and he makes us holy. He is called the Spirit of promise, as he is the promised Spirit. By him believers are sealed; that is, separated and set apart for God, and distinguished and marked as belonging to him. The Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, Eph 1:14. The earnest is part of payment, and it secures the full sum: so is the gift of the Holy Ghost; all his influences and operations, both as a sanctifier and a comforter, are heaven begun, glory in the seed and bud. The Spirit's illumination is an earnest of everlasting light; sanctification is an earnest of perfect holiness; and his comforts are earnests of everlasting joys. He is said to be the earnest, until the redemption of the purchased possession. It may be called here the possession, because this earnest makes it as sure to the heirs as though they were already possessed of it; and it is purchased for them by the blood of Christ. The redemption of it is mentioned because it was mortgaged and forfeited by sin; and Christ restores it to us, and so is said to redeem it, in allusion to the law of redemption. Observe, from all this, what a gracious promise that is which secures the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who ask him. The apostle mentions the great end and design of God in bestowing all these spiritual privileges, that we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ - we to whom the gospel was first preached, and who were first converted to the faith of Christ, and to the placing of our hope and trust in him. Note, Seniority in grace is a preferment: Who were in Christ before me, says the apostle (Rom 16:7); those who have for a longer time experienced the grace of Christ are under more special obligations to glorify God. They should be strong in faith, and more eminently glorify him; but this should be the common end of all. For this we were made, and for this we were redeemed; this is the great design of our Christianity, and of God in all that he has done for us: unto the praise of his glory, Eph 1:14. He intends that his grace and power and other perfection should by this means become conspicuous and illustrious, and that the sons of men should magnify him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3–3:21 Ephesians is divided into two sections: Chs 1–3 praise God for his amazing grace, and chs 4–6 instruct believers on how to live in grateful response. 1:3-14 Paul praises God for all the spiritual blessings he has graciously provided through Jesus Christ, for Gentiles as well as for Jews. • This section is a single, complex sentence in Greek—one of the longest in Paul’s letters, with long sentences being typical of Paul’s writing (also in 1:15-23; 2:1-7, 14-16; 3:1-12, 14-19; Col 1:3-29; 2:1-3, 8-15). The interwoven nature of these sentences reflects the interconnectedness of their ideas. 1:3 Paul describes every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in 1:4-8, 13-14. Paul’s focus is not on physical blessings, but on what God has done through Christ to bring people into a saving relationship with himself.
Ephesians 1:3
Spiritual Blessings
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You
By Norman Grubb6.4K43:30Meaning Of LifeGEN 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 6:35ACT 18:25EPH 1:3EPH 2:6COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowing the way of God more perfectly. The central message of the sermon is the purpose of God to create a vast family of sons through His own son, Jesus, and to elevate them to the same level as Jesus, giving them the inheritance of the universe. The speaker also discusses the concept of the soul and the need to overcome the illusion of being an independent self, recognizing that in Christ, we are a self that is truly His.
(Exodus) Exodus 13:20-22
By J. Vernon McGee4.7K03:12ExpositionalEXO 13:20EXO 14:22MAT 6:33ROM 9:4EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The speaker emphasizes how God provided for them by leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The speaker also highlights the difference between the Israelites' experience and the experience of the church today. While the Israelites had the visible presence of God, the church walks by faith and does not require a visible presence. The speaker concludes by referencing Romans 9:4, which mentions the glory that the Israelites had as a unique aspect of their relationship with God.
Loss and Recovery of Spiritual Power
By Alan Redpath4.3K42:40Spiritual PowerGEN 27:38PSA 51:1MAT 6:33ACT 2:37ROM 8:32EPH 1:3HEB 10:28In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the church and the need for repentance and revival. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and not being consumed by the distractions of the world. The speaker highlights the danger of treating the blessings of Christ lightly and the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual birthright. He urges individuals to examine their own hearts and seek repentance in order to experience the fullness of God's blessings.
(Hebrews - Part 46): Christian Manifesto - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer4.3K31:21ExpositionalEPH 1:3HEB 12:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians living a spiritual and eternal life rather than being consumed by worldly desires. He uses the story of Elisha and the chariots of fire to illustrate the power and protection that comes from being aligned with God. The preacher also highlights the beauty and glory of God, comparing it to the beauty of nature and the senses. He concludes by encouraging believers to embrace the beauty of God and share it with others, even if they are met with skepticism or disbelief.
Managing Your Emotions
By Erwin Lutzer4.3K36:52EmotionsMAT 6:33MAT 26:39ROM 8:1ROM 8:32EPH 1:3PHP 4:8HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing our emotions in order to align ourselves with the will of God. He uses the analogy of a pilot who ignores the instrument panel and crashes as a reminder to not let our feelings dictate our actions. The preacher then turns to the story of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as an example of how Christ coped with his emotions. Jesus prayed to God, expressing his desire for the cup to pass from him, but ultimately surrendered to God's will. The sermon concludes with the reminder that while it is important to acknowledge and share our emotions, there are times when we must choose obedience to God's will over our feelings.
A Mirror Covered With Water
By Paris Reidhead4.1K51:56ExodusMAT 6:332CO 4:4EPH 1:3COL 1:27HEB 9:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and being transformed by His word. He challenges the audience to examine their spiritual growth and intimacy with God. The speaker uses the assembly of the tabernacle as a metaphor for the Christian life, highlighting the significance of Jesus as the door and the heavenly dweller. He also discusses the symbolism of the blue curtain representing the creator and the white linen representing the purity of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder to look to the cross for forgiveness and transformation.
All Spiritual Blessings
By William MacDonald3.6K38:08Spiritual BlessingsDEU 7:13PSA 119:89MAT 6:33JHN 15:13EPH 1:32PE 1:3REV 22:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrast between earthly material blessings and spiritual blessings in heavenly places. He refers to Deuteronomy chapter 7, where God promises to bless the nation of Israel if they obey Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being members of the body of Christ and shares a personal experience of encountering fellow believers. He also highlights the significance of having the word of God as a spiritual blessing and mentions that it will be a topic of conversation in heaven. The sermon concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude for the spiritual blessings received and a request for guidance and protection.
Gods Abundant Mercy
By A.W. Tozer3.2K37:59Mercy Of GodMAT 28:6ROM 8:14EPH 1:31PE 1:31PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's mercy. He shares a story about a missionary disciplining a young convert who repeatedly broke the rules. The missionary humorously compares their forgiveness to a bottle that is almost empty. The preacher then transitions to a story about an artist hiring a man to pose for a painting, but the man spends his money on improving his appearance instead. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging honesty in prayer and reminding listeners of the mercy of the Lord.
(Basics) 8. Faith
By Zac Poonen3.0K13:06MAT 9:27MRK 10:52MRK 11:22JHN 3:16ACT 3:19ROM 3:23EPH 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving God's blessings. He explains that God is not concerned with the specific words or formula we use in prayer, but rather with the sincerity and longing of our hearts. The preacher cites John 6:37, where Jesus promises to never reject those who come to Him. He also highlights the story of the blind men in Matthew 9, who received their sight because of their bold confession of faith in Jesus' ability to heal them. The key message is that when we choose to believe and have faith, we can receive the blessings and salvation that God desires to give us.
(Heavenly Life) Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen2.8K56:38MAT 6:31MAT 6:33GAL 3:29EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 6:12COL 3:2COL 3:4HEB 11:13HEB 12:26
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being heavenly-minded in a world filled with changes and uncertainties. It highlights the need to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions, urging believers to seek God's kingdom first and live in a way that reflects heavenly principles. The speaker encourages a shift in mindset towards heavenly things, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew thoughts and actions to align with God's will.
(Prophecy) Clarifications About Prophecy
By Zac Poonen2.7K57:29ISA 8:201CO 14:29EPH 1:31TH 5:201JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prophecy in warning God's people ahead of time. He encourages the audience to seek the gift of prophecy from God, so they can meet the needs of others. The speaker also addresses the issue of falling down and showing feet to God, stating that it is an insult and not the correct way to approach God. He emphasizes the need for pastors and elders in the church, but also highlights the importance of the entire body fulfilling their functions. The speaker also mentions that those who preach the gospel can receive financial support, as ordained by the Lord. Lastly, he emphasizes the need for discernment and judgment when it comes to prophecy, using the example of the Bereans in Acts 17. He compares the exercise of spiritual gifts to electricity, stating that while it is useful, it must be used according to the laws and principles set by God.
I Will Do It Through You
By Norman Grubb2.7K43:30Christ In UsGEN 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 6:35ACT 18:25EPH 1:3EPH 2:6COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowing the way of God more perfectly. The central message of the sermon is the purpose of God to create a vast family of sons through His own son, Jesus, and to elevate them to the same level as Jesus, giving them the inheritance of the universe. The speaker also discusses the concept of the soul and how disturbances in the soul can lead to feelings of dryness or a need for renewal, but emphasizes that in Christ, we are not independent selves but rather expressions of His self in union with Him.
Redeemed From the Law
By Harry Ironside2.6K05:31LawGEN 12:3JHN 3:16ACT 17:30ROM 3:24GAL 3:13EPH 1:31TI 2:4In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of coming to the Lord Jesus Christ as a sinner. He emphasizes the understanding of breaking God's law and being under condemnation. However, he found that Christ had given himself as a ransom for his soul, bringing joy and blessing to his heart. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in Christ and experience the deliverance from the curse of the law and the blessing of Abraham through faith. He also emphasizes the importance of repentance and acknowledging one's guilt before God.
(Clip) the Word of God and Prayer for Victory
By Milton Green2.4K07:18ISA 53:5ROM 8:372CO 5:172CO 10:4EPH 1:3EPH 2:6PHP 4:13COL 2:10HEB 4:16JAS 4:7
This sermon emphasizes the believer's identity in Christ, highlighting being righteous, blessed, redeemed, complete, and seated in heavenly places. It focuses on the authority, power, and blessings received through Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to rule and reign in His name, remove works of darkness, and receive God's grace, love, healing, and deliverance.
The Will of God in Prayer - Kenneth E. Hagin
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons2.4K40:21RadioMAT 6:33JHN 15:7EPH 1:31JN 5:14In this sermon, Kenneth Hagin emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying the word of God in our lives. He highlights how many people claim to enjoy good preaching and teaching, but fail to comprehend or remember what was actually taught. Hagin emphasizes that the word of God is His will for us and that we can receive the blessings and promises outlined in His word. He encourages listeners to have confidence in God's faithfulness and to pray according to His will, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers.
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 13. Righteousness Imparted
By Denny Kenaston2.4K1:07:52Righteousness ImpartedMAT 6:33ROM 6:18ROM 7:7ROM 8:1ROM 12:2EPH 1:32TI 2:15In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses how God imparts righteousness in our lives through various means. He emphasizes the importance of memorizing and meditating on God's word, as it helps us to internalize and live out His truth. Brother Denny also highlights the significance of consistent and meaningful devotional life, where we seek God and learn from Him. He encourages believers to actively serve and support their ministers, offering their help and prayers. Additionally, Brother Denny explains that God uses suffering and trials to shape and mold us, allowing the life of Jesus to be manifested in our mortal bodies.
I Don't Lose Heart
By J. Oswald Sanders2.2K44:09DiscouragementEncouragementPerseverance in FaithMAT 11:28ROM 8:282CO 3:182CO 4:162CO 5:4GAL 6:9EPH 1:3PHP 4:13HEB 10:23J. Oswald Sanders emphasizes Paul's message of encouragement in the face of discouragement, drawing from 2 Corinthians 4. He reflects on his own experience of feeling pressured while serving in a challenging mission field, and how Paul's assurance of not losing heart stems from the mercy of God, the strength provided through the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal glory. Sanders highlights that despite outward struggles, believers can find renewal and courage by focusing on the unseen and trusting in God's timing for harvest. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to embrace their ministry and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is at work even when results are not immediately visible.
Heaven on Earth
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:06:57HeavenDEU 11:18MAT 6:33MAT 11:11LUK 14:33JHN 1:16EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's Word being a guide in every aspect of our lives. He encourages Christians to teach these principles to their children and to constantly meditate on them. The speaker also highlights the need for Christians to repent and live a life that reflects the love of Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship is not just about loving others, but loving fellow believers as a testimony to the world. The speaker concludes by acknowledging that we cannot live this life on our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Studies in Joshua 01 - Faith + Obedience = Success
By Alden Gannett2.0K41:19ObedienceJOS 1:2JOS 1:7PSA 1:1EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Joshua and its significance. He acknowledges that it is not possible to cover every verse of the 24 chapters, but he aims to convey the main message of the book. The speaker emphasizes the importance of action and obedience in the Christian walk, using the formula of attention, application, aspiration, and action. He also highlights the blessings that come from God and the need to trust in His grace. The sermon encourages listeners to tackle their problems by identifying and confessing sins, and relying on God's grace for victory.
Christ in You
By Major Ian Thomas2.0K39:04Holy SpiritRUT 4:22MAT 6:33JHN 14:17ROM 7:41CO 15:45EPH 1:3EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of man's relationship with God. He explains that man is only truly man when he has God in him, and losing God means losing everything. The preacher uses the story of Ruth from the Old Testament as a commentary on this principle. He highlights how believers in Christ have undergone a spiritual death through the crucifixion of Jesus, allowing them to belong to Him and bear fruit for God. The preacher also discusses how, by natural birth, humans are born with a fallen nature inherited from Adam, but through Christ's sacrifice, God has provided a way for believers to be freed from this sinful nature.
God Is a Good God
By Zac Poonen2.0K50:37Character Of GodJER 29:11MAT 25:14EPH 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and proclaiming that God is a good God. He highlights how often we can have a self-centered perspective, only focusing on how things affect us. However, the preacher encourages the audience to have a deep conviction in their hearts that God is good, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The preacher also mentions the negative impact of jealousy, selfish ambition, and competition among believers, and how it hinders the demonstration of God's goodness to the world. Ultimately, the message is to proclaim God's goodness and trust in Him, even when we don't understand everything that happens in our lives.
(Ephesians) Ephesians 5:21-6:11
By Zac Poonen1.9K47:03EPH 1:3EPH 4:1EPH 5:22EPH 6:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in our personal walk with God. This foundation is built on God's perfect love for us and is the basis for our relationship with Him. The speaker then discusses the three stories or levels that we should build upon this foundation: our personal walk with God, our home life, and our ministry. The sermon also highlights the significance of living in purity, humility, and love, both in our homes and in our workplaces, as a reflection of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Building a Heavenly Home (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:04:22PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:6EPH 1:3PHP 4:19HEB 13:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in every aspect of life, surrendering personal desires for His divine plan. It highlights the need to prioritize heavenly blessings over earthly desires, trusting God to provide what is truly needed. The speaker encourages seeking spiritual growth, purity, and wisdom in handling earthly matters, such as money and relationships, through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
K-494 the Crucifixion of God (1 of 2)
By Art Katz1.9K1:12:01CrossMAT 6:33ROM 3:232CO 5:19EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging the past, particularly the Holocaust, as a significant event in modern history. He highlights the need for Christians to embrace the past and anticipate the future. The speaker discusses how the Holocaust was a result of a distorted view of humanity and the consequences of living in deception. He also emphasizes the need for a perspective from eternity to make sense of such immense suffering and human depravity.
(Ephesians) Ephesians 3:10-4:22
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:17EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 4:1EPH 4:31EPH 5:21EPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in the first three chapters of the Bible before attempting to obey the exhortations in chapters four, five, and six. He explains that without understanding the love of Christ, it is impossible to truly obey the commandments to let go of anger and bitterness. The preacher highlights the four dimensions of the love of Christ - breadth, length, depth, and height - and emphasizes that this understanding comes through experiencing suffering and trials, not just studying scriptures. He concludes by encouraging believers to allow God to squeeze them in the grinder of life so that they can become better Christians and bless others.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blessed be the God - See the note on Co2 1:3, where the same form is used. With all spiritual blessings - With the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and the abundant gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, justifying, sanctifying, and building us up on our most holy faith. In heavenly places - Εν τοις επουρανιοις· In heavenly things, such as those mentioned above; they were not yet in heavenly places, but they had abundance of heavenly things to prepare them for heavenly places. Some think the word should be understood as signifying blessings of the most exalted or excellent kind, such as are spiritual in opposition to those that are earthly, such as are eternal in opposition to those that are temporal; and all these in, through and by Christ. We have already seen, on Gal 4:26, that the heavenly Jerusalem, or Jerusalem which is from above, is used by the Jews to signify the days of the Messiah, and that state of grace and glory which should follow the Levitical worship and ceremonies; and it is possible that St. Paul may use the word επουρανια, heavenly things, in this sense: God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things, or in this heavenly state, in which life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel. This is apparently the preferable sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The doxologies in almost all the Epistles imply the real sense of grace experienced by the writers and their readers (Pe1 1:3). Eph 1:3-14 sets forth summarily the Gospel of the grace of God: the FATHER'S work of love, Eph 1:3 (choosing us to holiness, Eph 1:4; to sonship, Eph 1:5; to acceptance, Eph 1:6): the SON'S, Eph 1:7 (redemption, Eph 1:7; knowledge of the mystery of His will, Eph 1:9; an inheritance, Eph 1:11); the HOLY SPIRIT'S, Eph 1:13 (sealing, Eph 1:13; giving an earnest of the inheritance, Eph 1:14). the God and Father of . . . Christ--and so the God and Father of us who are in Him (Joh 20:17). God is "the God" of the man Jesus, and "the Father" of the Divine Word. The Greek is, "Blessed us," not "hath blessed us"; referring to the past original counsel of God. As in creation (Gen 1:22) so in redemption (Gen 12:3; Mat 5:3-11; Mat 25:34) God "blesses" His children; and that not in mere words, but in acts. us--all Christians. blessings--Greek, "blessing." "All," that is, "every possible blessing for time and eternity, which the Spirit has to bestow" (so "spiritual" means; not "spiritual," as the term is now used, as opposed to bodily). in heavenly places--a phrase five times found in this Epistle, and not elsewhere (Eph 1:20; Eph 2:6; Eph 3:10; Eph 6:12); Greek, "in the heavenly places." Christ's ascension is the means of introducing us into the heavenly places, which by our sin were barred against us. Compare the change made by Christ (Col 1:20; Eph 1:20). While Christ in the flesh was in the form of a servant, God's people could not realize fully their heavenly privileges as sons. Now "our citizenship (Greek) is in heaven" (Phi 3:20), where our High Priest is ever "blessing" us. Our "treasures" are there (Mat 6:20-21); our aims and affections (Col 3:1-2); our hope (Col 1:5; Tit 2:13); our inheritance (Pe1 1:4). The gift of the Spirit itself, the source of the "spiritual blessing," is by virtue of Jesus having ascended thither (Eph 4:8). in Christ--the center and source of all blessing to us.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
He begins with thanksgivings and praise, and enlarges with a great deal of fluency and copiousness of affection upon the exceedingly great and precious benefits which we enjoy by Jesus Christ. For the great privileges of our religion are very aptly recounted and enlarged upon in our praises to God. I. In general he blesses God for spiritual blessings, Eph 1:3, where he styles him the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for, as Mediator, the Father was his God; as God, and the second person in the blessed Trinity, God was his Father. It bespeaks the mystical union between Christ and believers, that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is their God and Father, and that in and through him. All blessings come from God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. No good can be expected from a righteous and holy God to sinful creatures, but by his mediation. He hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Note, Spiritual blessings are the best blessings with which God blesses us, and for which we are to bless him. He blesses us by bestowing such things upon us as make us really blessed. We cannot thus bless God again; but must do it by praising, and magnifying, and speaking well of him on that account. Those whom God blesses with some he blesses with all spiritual blessings; to whom he gives Christ, he freely gives all these things. It is not so with temporal blessings; some are favoured with health, and not with riches; some with riches, and not with health, etc. But, where God blesses with spiritual blessings, he blesses with all. They are spiritual blessings in heavenly places; that is, say some, in the church, distinguished from the world, and called out of it. Or it may be read, in heavenly things, such as come from heaven, and are designed to prepare men for it, and to secure their reception into it. We should hence learn to mind spiritual and heavenly things as the principal things, spiritual and heavenly blessings as the best blessings, with which we cannot be miserable and without which we cannot but be so. Set not your affections on things on the earth, but on those things which are above. These we are blessed with in Christ; for, as all our services ascend to God through Christ, so all our blessings are conveyed to us in the same way, he being the Mediator between God and us. II. The particular spiritual blessings with which we are blessed in Christ, and for which we ought to bless God, are (many of them) here enumerated and enlarged upon. 1. Election and predestination, which are the secret springs whence the others flow, Eph 1:4, Eph 1:5, Eph 1:11. Election, or choice, respects that lump or mass of mankind out of which some are chosen, from which they are separated and distinguished. Predestination has respect to the blessings they are designed for; particularly the adoption of children, it being the purpose of God that in due time we should become his adopted children, and so have a right to all the privileges and to the inheritance of children. We have here the date of this act of love: it was before the foundation of the world; not only before God's people had a being, but before the world had a beginning; for they were chosen in the counsel of God from all eternity. It magnifies these blessings to a high degree that they are the products of eternal counsel. The alms which you give to beggars at your doors proceed from a sudden resolve; but the provision which a parent makes for his children is the result of many thoughts, and is put into his last will and testament with a great deal of solemnity. And, as this magnifies divine love, so it secures the blessings to God's elect; for the purpose of God according to election shall stand. He acts in pursuance of his eternal purpose in bestowing spiritual blessings upon his people. He hath blessed us - according as he hath chosen us in him, in Christ the great head of the election, who is emphatically called God's elect, his chosen; and in the chosen Redeemer an eye of favour was cast upon them. Observe here one great end and design of this choice: chosen - that we should be holy; not because he foresaw they would be holy, but because he determined to make them so. All who are chosen to happiness as the end are chosen to holiness as the means. Their sanctification, as well as their salvation, is the result of the counsels of divine love. - And without blame before him - that their holiness might not be merely external and in outward appearance, so as to prevent blame from men, but internal and real, and what God himself, who looketh at the heart, will account such, such holiness as proceeds from love to God and to our fellow-creatures, this charity being the principle of all true holiness. The original word signifies such an innocence as no man can carp at; and therefore some understand it of that perfect holiness which the saints shall attain in the life to come, which will be eminently before God, they being in his immediate presence for ever. Here is also the rule and the fontal cause of God's election: it is according to the good pleasure of his will (Eph 1:5), not for the sake of any thing in them foreseen, but because it was his sovereign will, and a thing highly pleasing to him. It is according to the purpose, the fixed and unalterable will, of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (Eph 1:11), who powerfully accomplishes whatever concerns his elect, as he has wisely and freely fore-ordained and decreed, the last and great end and design of all which is his own glory: To the praise of the glory of his grace (Eph 1:6), that we should be to the praise of his glory (Eph 1:12), that is, that we should live and behave ourselves in such a manner that his rich grace might be magnified, and appear glorious, and worthy of the highest praise. All is of God, and from him, and through him, and therefore all must be to him, and centre in his praise. Note, The glory of God is his own end, and it should be ours in all that we do. This passage has been understood by some in a very different sense, and with a special reference to the conversion of these Ephesians to Christianity. Those who have a mind to see what is said to this purpose may consult Mr. Locke, and other well-known writers, on the place. 2. The next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of is acceptance with God through Jesus Christ: Wherein, or by which grace, he hath made us accepted in the beloved, Eph 1:6. Jesus Christ is the beloved of his Father (Mat 3:17), as well as of angels and saints. It is our great privilege to be accepted of God, which implies his love to us and his taking us under his care and into his family. We cannot be thus accepted of God, but in and through Jesus Christ. He loves his people for the sake of the beloved. 3. Remission of sins, and redemption through the blood of Jesus, Eph 1:7. No remission without redemption. It was by reason of sin that we were captivated, and we cannot be released from our captivity but by the remission of our sins. This redemption we have in Christ, and this remission through his blood. The guilt and the stain of sin could be no otherwise removed than by the blood of Jesus. All our spiritual blessings flow down to us in that stream. This great benefit, which comes freely to us, was dearly bought and paid for by our blessed Lord; and yet it is according to the riches of God's grace. Christ's satisfaction and God's rich grace are very consistent in the great affair of man's redemption. God was satisfied by Christ as our substitute and surety; but it was rich grace that would accept of a surety, when he might have executed the severity of the law upon the transgressor, and it was rich grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely to deliver him up, when nothing of that nature could have entered into our thoughts, nor have been any otherwise found out for us. In this instance he has not only manifested riches of grace, but has abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence (Eph 1:8), wisdom in contriving the dispensation, and prudence in executing the counsel of his will, as he has done. How illustrious have the divine wisdom and prudence rendered themselves, in so happily adjusting the matter between justice and mercy in this grand affair, in securing the honour of God and his law, at the same time that the recovery of sinners and their salvation are ascertained and made sure! 4. Another privilege which the apostle here blesses God for is divine revelation - that God hath made known to us the mystery of his will (Eph 1:9), that is, so much of his good-will to men, which had been concealed for a long time, and is still concealed from so great a part of the world: this we owe to Christ, who, having lain in the bosom of the Father from eternity, came to declare his will to the children of men. According to his good pleasure, his secret counsels concerning man's redemption, which he had purposed, or resolved upon, merely in and from himself, and not for any thing in them. In this revelation, and in his making known unto us the mystery of his will, the wisdom and the prudence of God do abundantly shine forth. It is described (Eph 1:13) as the word of truth, and the gospel of our salvation. Every word of it is true. It contains and instructs us in the most weighty and important truths, and it is confirmed and sealed by the very oath of God, whence we should learn to betake ourselves to it in all our searches after divine truth. It is the gospel of our salvation: it publishes the glad tidings of salvation, and contains the offer of it: it points out the way that leads to it; and the blessed Spirit renders the reading and the ministration of it effectual to the salvation of souls. O, how ought we to prize this glorious gospel and to bless God for it! This is the light shining in a dark place, for which we have reason to be thankful, and to which we should take heed. 5. Union in and with Christ is a great privilege, a spiritual blessing, and the foundation of many others. He gathers together in one all things in Christ, Eph 1:10. All the lines of divine revelation meet in Christ; all religion centres in him. Jews and Gentiles were united to each other by being both united to Christ. Things in heaven and things on earth are gathered together in him; peace made, correspondence settled, between heaven and earth, through him. The innumerable company of angels become one with the church through Christ: this God purposed in himself, and it was his design in that dispensation which was to be accomplished by his sending Christ in the fulness of time, at the exact time that God had prefixed and settled. 6. The eternal inheritance is the great blessing with which we are blessed in Christ: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, Eph 1:11. Heaven is the inheritance, the happiness of which is a sufficient portion for a soul: it is conveyed in the way of an inheritance, being the gift of a Father to his children. If children, then heirs. All the blessings that we have in hand are but small if compared with the inheritance. What is laid out upon an heir in his minority is nothing to what is reserved for him when he comes to age. Christians are said to have obtained this inheritance, as they have a present right to it, and even actual possession of it, in Christ their head and representative. 7. The seal and earnest of the Spirit are of the number of these blessings. We are said to be sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13. The blessed Spirit is holy himself, and he makes us holy. He is called the Spirit of promise, as he is the promised Spirit. By him believers are sealed; that is, separated and set apart for God, and distinguished and marked as belonging to him. The Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, Eph 1:14. The earnest is part of payment, and it secures the full sum: so is the gift of the Holy Ghost; all his influences and operations, both as a sanctifier and a comforter, are heaven begun, glory in the seed and bud. The Spirit's illumination is an earnest of everlasting light; sanctification is an earnest of perfect holiness; and his comforts are earnests of everlasting joys. He is said to be the earnest, until the redemption of the purchased possession. It may be called here the possession, because this earnest makes it as sure to the heirs as though they were already possessed of it; and it is purchased for them by the blood of Christ. The redemption of it is mentioned because it was mortgaged and forfeited by sin; and Christ restores it to us, and so is said to redeem it, in allusion to the law of redemption. Observe, from all this, what a gracious promise that is which secures the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who ask him. The apostle mentions the great end and design of God in bestowing all these spiritual privileges, that we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ - we to whom the gospel was first preached, and who were first converted to the faith of Christ, and to the placing of our hope and trust in him. Note, Seniority in grace is a preferment: Who were in Christ before me, says the apostle (Rom 16:7); those who have for a longer time experienced the grace of Christ are under more special obligations to glorify God. They should be strong in faith, and more eminently glorify him; but this should be the common end of all. For this we were made, and for this we were redeemed; this is the great design of our Christianity, and of God in all that he has done for us: unto the praise of his glory, Eph 1:14. He intends that his grace and power and other perfection should by this means become conspicuous and illustrious, and that the sons of men should magnify him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3–3:21 Ephesians is divided into two sections: Chs 1–3 praise God for his amazing grace, and chs 4–6 instruct believers on how to live in grateful response. 1:3-14 Paul praises God for all the spiritual blessings he has graciously provided through Jesus Christ, for Gentiles as well as for Jews. • This section is a single, complex sentence in Greek—one of the longest in Paul’s letters, with long sentences being typical of Paul’s writing (also in 1:15-23; 2:1-7, 14-16; 3:1-12, 14-19; Col 1:3-29; 2:1-3, 8-15). The interwoven nature of these sentences reflects the interconnectedness of their ideas. 1:3 Paul describes every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in 1:4-8, 13-14. Paul’s focus is not on physical blessings, but on what God has done through Christ to bring people into a saving relationship with himself.