Ephesians 1:1-7
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is simply a declaration of victory for the child of God. He sets out from the beginning to inform the reader of his position and favor as a redeemed child of God.
In the opening seven verses, He gives to us three amazing and liberating instructions that, if followed, will bring us into a thrilling and enjoyable Christian experience.
I. Recognize Your Righteousness
In verse one, Paul writes to the “Saints” that are at Ephesus. By addressing them as saints, Paul established their identity in Christ. Not because Paul said so, but because the blood of Jesus made it so.
While we typically don’t walk around referring to ourselves as “saints,” by all God-given grace and biblical authority, we very well could.
Sainthood really is not something conferred by vote of or by denominational accreditation. Sainthood is achieved the moment one is born again. One person said, “You are either a ‘saint’ or an “ain’t.” That pretty well sums it up.
The saved are “saints” in light … “For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8).
Paul wrote to the “saints” in Philippians 4:22: “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.”
While we certainly may not have the word “saint” embossed on our business cards, we certainly need to grasp the privileges of sainthood in our hearts. We are not “wretched worms,” nor are we the unworthy and condemned.
Undeserving? Absolutely.
Unworthy? Absolutely not.
The blood of Jesus changed our status and made us worthy.
2. Rest in Your Relationship
Paul said were are “accepted in the beloved.” The Holy Spirit introduced me to the wonderful family of God, and Jesus signed and secured my adoption. We are given the “Spirit of Adoption,” whereby we cry “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).
There is no need to compete for a place in the family, nor vie for the attention of the Father. My place is secure and I am welcomed at the throne of grace any time.
3. Rely on Your Resources
Paul wrote, “He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.”
What a promise. Look at it carefully …
The Scope of the Blessings: ALL
The Significance of the Blessings: SPIRITUAL
The Sphere of the Blessings: HEAVENLY PLACES
God the Father already has all that I need. He doesn’t have to create any more love, grace, or mercy. He doesn’t have to mine or dig for any more gold or silver. It all belongs to Him.
“For the Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (1 Corinthians 10:26).
The old song says: “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.”
Being in Christ provides the “daily bread” of God’s provision.
Another old song said:
“Already mine, already mine;
My father is rich, and it’s already mine.”
You are “somebody” in the kingdom of Heaven. Actually, we all are, because of God’s wonderful grace.
