Pastor’s notes
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…”
If there was ever a time to complain and a time when it would be impossible to see the good, that time is now for Paul. Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome. Paul was traveling, preaching, and teaching the gospel to all those he encountered. His faith would lead to great examples of revival, but also persecution. Ephesians is a good example of some of the hardships Paul experienced because of his faith.
Think of Ephesians as the first post card ever written, but instead of a nice picture of the beach, there’s nothing but darkness in a cell. However, instead of misery and anger, how does the book of Ephesians start off?
Blessed be to God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
Paul is in prison as a result of his faith and he begins this letter with how blessed he is! How is such an outlook even possible? Paul is also the one who said,
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
The book of Ephesians is a book built on how the blessings found in Jesus outweigh any and all worldly pain or problems. The first chapter of Paul’s letter speaks about how blessed it is to be a child of God and how nothing can overshadow that gift. Ephesians shines on the blessing of redemption, forgiveness, and the new found purpose of what adoption looks like and how such blessings should spur our lives to greater faith.
Today we are called to recognize the same truths in our lives. We should see that the blessings of knowing Christ outweigh any circumstance or complainant we might have in this world. That’s why Paul writes to these people about all their common blessings, even though they are living in different situations.
No matter what the world threw at Paul or at us, it was impossible to take the joy of knowing Christ! We should all pray for such a grateful heart rooted in what God has done for us.
Moving forward, I hope you are dedicated to this study and the devotions that come out each week. Devotions will be posted mid week. I encourage you to be disciplined in reading the devotion before the Sunday morning service as the scripture will better prepare your mind and heart with the Word that is taught.
Scripture to go along with the message
Read Acts 9 (entire chapter) as this gives reference to all the blessings that Paul experienced himself in salvation.
Highlight in your bibles
Go through the first chapter of Ephesians and highlight all the “blessings” that stand out to you.
