Blessed With Every Spiritual Blessings

Hello and welcome to Van Life Devotions. We are traveling around the areas where the very first Christian churches were established and today we are in Ephesus.

Identity is important. Those who have experienced trauma, learning one’s identity is a major part of a recovery process. Many seek their identity in people, and this is common in marriages where spouses seek identity in each other. Others seek identity in their work, achievements, and possessions. Christian authors Dr Bruce and Nellie Litchfield have written that “without building identity, people will experience some degree of identity confusion”.

The first chapter of the letter sent to this church at Ephesus is one of the great sections of the Bible that spells out what our identity can be. After giving his usual greeting, Paul says, “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” (Ephesians 1:3 NIV). Notice that phrase “in Christ” - it is the heart of his theology. Paul saw clearly that all the blessings we receive from God come to us "in Christ."

And verses 4 to 14 describe these blessings that form our identity in Christ. These verses constitute a single complex sentence. As Paul dictates, his speech pours out of his mouth in a continuous flow without full stops as he highlights our new identity as people of God.

Who are we in Christ? We are people “blessed with every spiritual blessing” (v3). God hasn't cursed us. He hasn't withheld certain blessings for certain people. Rather God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Here are some of our spiritual blessings.

First, you are loved by God. Paul says in verse 4, “Even before He made the world, God loved us...” (Ephesians 1:4 NLT). You are loved. You are loved by the creator of the world who showed His love for you by sending His only Son Jesus to die for you. You are loved.

Second, you are chosen. Paul says in Ephesians 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…” (Ephesians 1:4 NIV). Jesus says, “You didn't choose Me. I chose you...” (John 15:16 NIV). He chooses to love us. If you have been chosen for a team, a job, or a new project you feel valued and appreciated. In God’s eyes you are valued. He has chosen you to be in His family.

Third, you are a child of God. Verse 5 says, “he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—” (Ephesians 1:5 NIV). God chose us to be His children through adoption. He decided this long ago! Out of His love he wanted to adopt you.

Who are you? You are loved by God. He has shown His love for you by choosing you from the beginning. And He chooses you to be His child. You loved. You are chosen. You are a child of God!

Not only is identity theft - the theft of our bank details and passwords on the rise, but so too is the world stealing the identity of many, encouraging us to be people that we are not. But remember the Truth - You are loved; You are chosen; You are God’s child.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father. Thank you that through Christ we are loved, chosen, and adopted as Your child. How blessed we are. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

David Moyes