Before the Foundation of the World

Ephesians is built around the concept of the church as the body of Christ. 1.22-23 says Jesus is the head of the body – manifesting His will through the function of the body. The church is not an organization – it is people. In Ephesians 1 – Paul goes back into eternity past – show has God master planned the church before the world began.

I. Why This is So Important

II. Ephesians 1.3 – The Spiritual Blessings in the Heavenlies

1. 1.3a – Who is the blessing for? Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
2. 1.3b – Who gives the blessings? …who has blessed… God who loves to give.
   1. James 1.17 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,…
   2. Romans 8.28 – all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.
3. 1.3c – Who is blessed? Us. (Believers)
4. 1.3e – With what have believers been blessed? with every spiritual blessing.
   1. Prayer – The Spirit intercedes, Romans 8.27.
   2. Love – God’s love has been poured into our hearts, Romans 5.5.
   3. Peace – My peace I give to you…let not your heart be troubled, John 14.27.
   4. Joy – Jesus left his joy in you, so that your joy may be full, John 15.11.
   5. Strength – I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me, Philippians 4.13.
   6. God has already dispensed with every spiritual blessing. 2 Peter 1.3 – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.
5. 1.3f – Where are our blessings? in the heavenlies. These are realized by walking by the Spirit, Galatians 5.16-24.
6. 1.3c – How do we receive these blessings? in Christ. All that is His is yours.

III. How This Impacts Your Life

1. 1.4a – You are part of something planned before the foundation of the world.
   1. This does not mean God chose some to go to heaven, while selecting everyone else to go to hell.
   2. John 3.16-18 – esp. 3.18 – whoever believes is not condemned…
   3. Matthew 22.1-4 – Jesus said people must accept the invitation.
2. So then, who did God chose? See 1.3 – Those who are in Christ. 
   1. John 1.12 – God chose those who have accepted Jesus.

IV. Conclusion

1. The resources that are available to you are unlimited. See Ephesians 3.20
2. What we’ve talked about today are available only to those who are in Christ.
3. Have you found him?

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