October 12, 2011

“Chosen and Blessed”

Blessings folk!

Too often we as Believers forget...or worse yet, never knew...who we are in Him.

“In Him”...a marvelous phrase found in Ephesians 1.

Let’s take some time to see what the Lord tells us…

Ephesians 1

 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
   To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

Do not read too quickly through Paul’s greeting to the Believers in Ephesus. Read verses 1-2 again.

Paul knew who he was in Christ.
Paul knew what his calling from the Lord.

He was an apostle of Christ Jesus - one sent.
This was by the “will of God.”

We will see the phrase “the will of God” again.
Pay attention.
There is much to glean.

Many ask what “the will of God” is in their lives.
We will see…
Also, keep this in mind…

1 Thessalonians 5

16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

God’s will lies in Christ Jesus.
We are to rejoice in Him, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything.

So, Paul speaks grace and peace upon them.
We should do likewise with one another.

This is not just a cursory greeting or proclamation.

Blessing or curse comes from the tongue.

Speak forth blessing, grace and peace upon folk and situations and watch what happens.

Paul then blesses/worships the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for what He has done.
What has the Lord done?

1. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

Think on that. Every spiritual blessing in Christ has been granted to us.

1. He (Father) has chosen us in Him (Jesus) before the foundation of the world…

Yes, if you are true Believer you are chosen.
You were chosen before the foundation of the world...before anything was spoken into existence.
Do not think you are insignificant.
Do not think that you are meaningless.
Do not think that you are an “accident of nature.”
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

1. We are chosen before the foundation of the world that we would be holy and blameless before Him…

Only “in Him” (we will see more later) are we able to stand holy and blameless before Him.
Not in the flesh

Now, take a moment and give thanks to the Lord for what He has done…
His grace
His mercy
His love
His choosing
His blessing
His peace

Then, live in it.
Blessings!!

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