260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 169 - Ephesians 1: The Doctrinal “Hall of Fame”

Introduction: WHO AM I? If we’re honest, most of us struggle with identity issues – significance, security. Parents, peers, school, culture and teachers are just some of the mirrors we look into in our search for who we are. For many, this is painful. There’s a song that came out when I was in high school called “At Seventeen” that most of you won’t know but the words still cut as Janice Ian shares her painful search for identity. If you are a believer and you struggle with these things, then this letter is for you! The book of Ephesians describes a believer’s position IN CHRIST (Chapters 1-3) and then the results (or application) of that position (Chapters 4-6). Ephesians 1: The Doctrinal “Hall of Fame” The first 14 verses in Ephesians are AMAZING! You could do a good 7-10 studies on these verses but dang, I have only one! So here goes: “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.” Everything we need to live a life for God, to be restored to fellowship with God and with others has been given us IN CHRIST (this phrase used 10 times in first 13 verses)! The moment we believe, we receive! Then Paul goes on to explain those spiritual blessings: ELECTION (4-5a, 11-12) – This is a reality, a fact. HE took the initiative. There was nothing about us and He chose us in Him. For what purpose? To be “holy & blameless in His sight.” and “for the praise of his glory.” ADOPTION (5-6) – Again, there was nothing about us, God did not need you or me, but He wanted to make us His kids (“in accordance with His pleasure and will”) and so He did. REDEMPTION (7a) – This is a deliverance, a ransom paid by a price. In other words, God bought us back. How? And what was the price? “…through his blood…” Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine! FORGIVENESS (7-10) – of our sins! And the qualifier? “in accordance with the riches of God's grace…” Being chose, adopted, redeemed & forgiven has nothing to do with our performance but is all by GRACE!~ SALVATION (13a) – How is a person saved? “…you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed…” When you hear the Word of God and by faith you believe, then you receive! MARKED/SEALED (13b-14) – This is a guarantee, a pledge, a down payment. The word used speaks of an engagement ring. When I asked Jean to marry me, I gave her an engagement ring. It wasn’t the full wedding band, but a promise, a deposit of what was yet to come. When we believe & receive, God deposits His Holy Spirit in us as a promise that He will finish what He started. And someday in heaven we will be perfected! INHERITANCE (14) – All we are and will enjoy as children of the King! Being the King’s kid has benefits that are out of this world. The Father elects & adopts, the Son redeems, forgives, saves & gives an inheritance and the Holy Spirit is our seal – the Trinity at work! WOWSA! This is great stuff! After all this it should cause us to pray & give thanks and that is exactly what Paul concludes the chapter doing – that we would “know Him better.” Another reason why Knowing Jesus is the first part of my life goal of “Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known.” SO WHAT?! *Let’s take some time today and thank God for all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Go ahead, list them out – I Double Dog Dare Ya’! *How do you view yourself, your identity? Often we can compare ourselves with others. And certainly our culture seeks the best looking, smartest, most talented, etc…. But I am so glad that my acceptance before God is NOT based on my performance! IN CHRIST I have been given a new IDENTITY – I am accepted by God and adopted into His family because of faith in Jesus Christ! I’m royalty! I’m the King’s kid! So are ALL who trust in Him alone to be saved from their sins! Now that beats any “self-esteem” talk you or I could ever receive!