S1P1 – The identity of being blessed
Our maiden devotional series examines the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church at Ephesus, which begins by defining our identity in Jesus Christ by what we gain or become as a result of salvation. Specifically, we will look at Ephesians 1: 1-14. The first two verses give us the context of this message in that Paul directs this letter to “the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus.” What follows applies to those who follow Him in this way.
Eph. 1: 3
May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
As those who are in Christ, the Father has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. There are two critical characteristics to these blessings. First, these are spiritual blessings, or given by the Holy Spirit. Too often we look for our blessings in the natural. Perhaps the idea of being blessed brings an expectation of a financial windfall, an enjoyable job or a more reliable car. While there can be a physical manifestation of the blessings given by the Holy Spirit, that should not be our focus. This is a promise of spiritual blessing, not natural blessing.
Second, these blessings are not limited. I have yet to find an exhaustive list of the spiritual blessings God makes available to us. Paul speaks of us receiving “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm.” Romans Ch. 10 reiterates that He who is Lord over us is abounding in riches, or blessings, for those who call on Him. Every blessing is available to us through Christ. We don’t get several or a few. We aren’t bound to some category of blessings that only applies to a certain area of our lives. All spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm are available to each of us who calls Jesus Christ his savior.
God’s word promises limitless spiritual blessings whose value infinitely out measures that of any bauble or check we could receive. It can be difficult to turn our focus to our spiritual needs when our physical needs are so presently evident. Let us practice the command given to us in Matthew Ch. 6 to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Let us not simply accept but seek after and expect the blessings of the spirit that are promised to us, knowing that their benefit far outweighs having any of our physical needs met.