Spiritual Blessings
In the Bible, the term "spiritual blessings" primarily refers to the gifts and benefits bestowed upon believers through their relationship with God, particularly evident in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this concept in Ephesians 1:3, where he declares, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." This verse highlights that these blessings are not material or earthly but are rooted in the spiritual realm and connected to one's union with Christ.These spiritual blessings encompass a variety of gifts, including salvation, grace, redemption, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life (Ephesians 1:4-14). They signify the transformation and empowerment that believers receive, enabling them to live according to God's will and reflect His character. In essence, spiritual blessings are about the spiritual enrichment and resources available to Christians, facilitating their growth in faith and service to others, as articulated in Galatians 5:22-23, which outlines the fruits of the Spirit.
Spiritual Blessings14
The Low Experience of Too Many of Us
By Andrew Murray0LUK 15:29Andrew Murray addresses the spiritual dissatisfaction many believers experience, likening it to the elder son in the parable who, despite living with his father and having access to all his possessions, never asked for or enjoyed the blessings available to him. He emphasizes that God does not withhold blessings from His children, and that many believers fail to experience unbroken fellowship with God due to their own doubts and lack of asking. Murray encourages believers to recognize that all spiritual blessings are available to them in Christ and warns against blaming God for their spiritual dryness. He calls for a deeper understanding of God's generosity and the need to actively seek and ask for the joy and fellowship that is promised to all who believe.
Jesus' Work Before the Throne
By David Wilkerson0NUM 6:23ZEC 3:2EPH 1:3HEB 7:24HEB 8:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the eternal role of Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before the Father and confronts our accuser, the devil. He highlights that Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, has an unchangeable priesthood and offers us spiritual blessings far greater than the temporal blessings of the Old Testament. Wilkerson encourages believers to come to Jesus in faith, assuring them that He delights in blessing those who are weak, broken, or grieving. The sermon reminds us of the security we have in Christ, as He covers us with His blood and pays our debts. Ultimately, we are called to rejoice in the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us through our High Priest.
The Heavenly Places
By F.B. Meyer0F.B. Meyer emphasizes that while Jesus was physically present on earth, He was spiritually in heaven, illustrating that believers are also called to live in the heavenly places where all spiritual blessings are stored. He explains that these blessings are already given to us in Christ, and we must claim them by faith, living in communion with Him to access our inheritance. Meyer further highlights that Christ, as our Mediator, sits in heavenly places, and through Him, we share in His victory over spiritual adversaries. He encourages believers to recognize their position in Christ and to engage in spiritual warfare, knowing that the battle is already won. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a life of fellowship with Jesus to fully experience the blessings and power available to us.
The Famine Brought on by Unforgiveness
By David Wilkerson0David Wilkerson emphasizes that forgiveness is not merely a one-time act but a continuous way of life that unlocks the blessings of Christ. He stresses that holding onto grudges leads to spiritual famine and bitterness, which affects not only ourselves but those around us. Jesus teaches that true forgiveness is essential for receiving God's forgiveness, and it requires us to let go of all bitterness and grudges. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace forgiveness to experience abundant peace, joy, and the fullness of God's blessings. Ultimately, he reminds us that mercy begets mercy, and to be truly blessed, we must forgive others.
Claiming All That Is Ours in Christ
By A.W. Tozer0ROM 8:18EPH 1:3A.W. Tozer emphasizes the spiritual blessings available to believers in Christ, categorizing them into three classes: immediate blessings upon salvation, future inheritances awaiting Christ's return, and blessings requiring active pursuit. The first class includes forgiveness and sonship, which believers possess even before fully understanding them. The second class consists of future glories that are assured but not yet experienced, while the third class involves blessings that demand effort and faith to claim, such as victory over sin and a deeper relationship with God. Tozer encourages believers to actively seek these treasures, likening them to the Promised Land that requires faith and courage to enter.
The Power of Forgiveness
By David Wilkerson0David Wilkerson emphasizes that forgiveness is not merely a one-time act but a continuous way of life that opens the door to God's blessings. He stresses that we cannot choose whom to forgive, as holding onto grudges leads to bitterness and spiritual famine. Wilkerson shares his experiences of witnessing both the devastation caused by unforgiveness and the transformative power of a forgiving spirit. He highlights that true repentance involves forgiving others, as it reflects the nature of God and allows us to experience His mercy and blessings. Ultimately, embracing forgiveness is essential for living in the fullness of joy and peace that comes from being a child of God.
The Key to the Treasury
By Theodore Epp0JHN 15:1EPH 1:2PHP 4:13Theodore Epp emphasizes that all spiritual blessings are found 'in Christ,' highlighting the transformative shift from being in Adam to being in Christ after salvation. This change grants believers a divine nature that aligns them with God's will and provides access to His spiritual resources. Epp stresses that apart from Christ, individuals lack a relationship with God and the ability to experience His blessings, while in Christ, they gain strength and the potential for spiritual victory. He underscores the importance of abiding in Christ to bear fruit and achieve spiritual success, as illustrated in John 15:5. Ultimately, being 'in Christ' opens the treasury of God's blessings for believers.
Cause Enough for Rejoicing
By David Wilkerson0EPH 1:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the incredible spiritual blessings that believers receive through their faith in Christ, as articulated by Paul in Ephesians. He highlights that those who follow Jesus are assured of their salvation and have been chosen and adopted by God, which grants them a heavenly position. The Ephesians, well-versed in the gospel, understood their identity in Christ and the joy that comes from God's promises. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize that despite feelings of unworthiness, they are seated with Christ and can rejoice in God's grace and kindness. This assurance of God's presence in their lives is a profound reason for celebration.
All Spiritual Blessings
By William MacDonald3.6K38:08DEU 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.
(Power From on High) 15. All the Blessings of the Spirit; Or, the Holy Ghost in Ephesians
By A.B. Simpson0A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound blessings of the Holy Spirit as outlined in Ephesians, highlighting the distinction between spiritual blessings and the person of the Holy Ghost. He explains that the Holy Spirit seals believers, grants illumination, and provides access to God's presence, enabling a deep communion with Him. Simpson encourages Christians to recognize the power available to them through the Holy Spirit, which empowers them to live an overcoming life and fulfill their divine calling. He concludes with a call to not grieve the Holy Spirit, who desires to work within us for our highest good and glory.
Being in Christ
By David Wilkerson0JHN 14:19EPH 1:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound spiritual blessings that come from being in Christ, as articulated in Ephesians 1:3. He explains that understanding our identity and position in Christ is crucial for experiencing fulfillment and joy in our spiritual lives. The Ephesians, being well-versed in the gospel, recognized their adoption and heavenly standing, which many believers today overlook, leading to spiritual highs and lows. Wilkerson reminds us that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places, highlighting the importance of recognizing our divine connection and the presence of Jesus within us. This understanding transforms our relationship with God and our experience of His blessings.
All Spiritual Blessings
By Andrew Bonar0PSA 84:11MAT 7:7JHN 1:12ROM 8:11CO 1:5EPH 1:3PHP 4:19COL 3:3JAS 1:172PE 1:5Andrew Bonar emphasizes the abundance of spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers through Christ, urging them to seek and claim these gifts. He explains that while Christ has received all blessings from the Father, believers are invited to access these blessings in their lives. Bonar encourages Christians to not settle for a fraction of what is available, but to pursue a deeper relationship with God to fully experience the richness of His grace. He highlights that these blessings are spiritual in nature, including forgiveness, adoption, and the promise of eternal life. Ultimately, Bonar calls for believers to actively seek out and embrace the fullness of what God has granted them in Christ.
Claim Your Inheritance
By Theodore Epp0EPH 1:7Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of claiming our inheritance as believers, which is a gift received through our relationship with Christ rather than something earned. This inheritance includes eternal life and all spiritual blessings necessary for our journey on earth, as we are citizens of heaven. Epp highlights that upon accepting Christ, believers become heirs to a divine inheritance that is beyond comprehension, with the promise of future blessings that are incorruptible and eternal. He encourages believers to allow Christ to reign in their lives now, while looking forward to the full realization of their inheritance in eternity.
The Epistle to the Ephesians
By John Nelson Darby0JHN 3:16ROM 8:17EPH 1:3EPH 1:9EPH 1:17EPH 2:6COL 1:26HEB 2:10John Nelson Darby expounds on the profound truths found in Ephesians, emphasizing God's blessings and purpose for believers through Christ. He highlights the transition from being mere servants to becoming children of God, sharing in Christ's inheritance and glory. Darby explains that our spiritual blessings are rooted in our identity in Christ, and he encourages believers to understand their position as new creations, united with Christ in heavenly places. He also stresses the importance of faith and the transformative power of God's grace in the life of a believer. Ultimately, Darby calls for a deeper comprehension of God's love and the believer's role in glorifying Him through the church.