Introduction: The book of Ephesians one of the most popular books of the Bible, it was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. It is is packed with rich theological insights and practical advice for living a Christian life, and has helped millions of people to have a better life. Ephesians 1 points out the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, our calling, and God’s ultimate plan for the entirety of the universe. Paul begins with a large helping of praise for God’s abundance of grace and continues to reveal God’s purpose and will for humanity. The chapter reminds believers of our identity in Christ and the hope we have through faith, these teachings of God’s words to Paul can help to change your life, even in year 2024 and beyond.
I. Spiritual Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:1-14)
In the first half of the chapter, Paul begins by greeting the Ephesians and quickly moves on to praise God for the spiritual blessings believers receive in Christ. He explains that we are chosen, adopted, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit as a promise of our inheritance. The Bible here makes it clear that God’s children were chosen before creation (Ephesians 1:4-6). Just as God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5), we see God’s intentionality in choosing believers before the foundation of the world. I don’t know about you, but this gives me comfort, knowing that my salvation wasn’t just a passing fancy that popped up one day in my life.
We are chosen and redeemed (bought back) through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 1:7-8). The doctrine of redemption can be found in Colossians 1:14, where the Bible speaks of redemption and forgiveness of sins through Christ. And we who have been redeemed are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Just as jars and cans we buy from the grocery store are sealed, so too are we sealed by the Holy Spirit until the time of our departure from this world. We can also read in 2 Corinthians 1:22, the Bible mentions the Holy Spirit as a seal, indicating God’s ownership and the security of the believer’s salvation.
II. Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom (Ephesians 1:15-23)
Here, we find Paul offering thanks for the Ephesians’ faith and love. He prays that they might receive spiritual wisdom and revelation to know God better, and he reflects on the power, authority, and supremacy of Christ. Paul’s prayer for enlightenment of believers here (Ephesians 1:17-18), sounds somewhat like the request for wisdom found in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. After all, isn’t true wisdom and understanding what we would consider enlightenment.
Paul exalts the name of Jesus Christ, and his authority over all creation (Ephesians 1:20-22). This echoes Philippians 2:9-11, which talks about Christ’s exalted name and authority above every name, truly, His name is above all names that have ever been in this world. He is the head of the church, and the church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). We read in 1 Corinthians 12:27, believers are called the body of Christ, and each one is a part of it, emphasizing the unity and diversity within the church, but there is only one true head that moves the body, and that is Jesus.
Conclusion: Ephesians 1 points out the massive spiritual wealth we have in Jesus Christ. From being chosen and adopted by God to being sealed by the Holy Spirit, Paul lays out the life changing blessings that come with faith in the Lord. His prayer for the Ephesians to gain deeper spiritual insight is a reminder for all believers to seek a closer relationship with God. The chapter ends with a gigantic statement about the authority of Christ and His relationship with the church. Whether you’re a new Christian or a longtime believer, Ephesians 1 should inspire you to recognize and cleave to the richness of God’s grace and the high calling we have in Jesus Christ.
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