Scripture - Ephesians 1:1-14
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.,
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
GOD’S RICH BLESSINGS
3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him., 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ 10 as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Definitions
Identity is the core of who we are, shaped by God’s love, defined by His grace, and secured in His purpose for our lives.
Role is the position or function we fulfill in different areas of life, shaped by responsibilities and relationships, but temporary and ever-changing—unlike our unchanging identity in Christ.
Roles vs. Identity
1. Roles are
; Identity is
- Comparison:
Roles change with life circumstances (e.g., jobs, relationships, seasons of life), but identity remains constant. - Example:
You may serve as a pastor, spouse, or parent, but even if those roles change or end, your identity as a child of God remains unchanged.
- ”I may stop being a pastor, but I will always be God’s beloved.”
2. Roles are About What We
; Identity is About Who We
- Comparison:
Roles are task-oriented and focus on what we do (e.g., leading, serving, teaching), while identity is rooted in who we are in Christ. - Example:
As a teacher, your role is to educate, but your identity as redeemed and chosen by God shapes how you teach—with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
- ”What I do may change, but who I am in Christ defines how I do it.”
3. Roles Can Be
Away; Identity is
- Comparison:
Roles can end due to circumstances beyond our control, but identity in Christ is unshakable and eternal. - Example:
You may retire from your career or lose a leadership role, but your identity as redeemed and sealed by the Holy Spirit gives you purpose beyond any role.
- ”Even when my role changes, my identity in Christ gives me lasting worth and purpose.”
Sermon Key Points
Practical Application Points from Ephesians 1:1-14
1.
in
as God’s Chosen (Ephesians 1:4-6)
- “For he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ…” (vv. 4-5)
Application:
Since God chose you in love before the foundation of the world, walk with confidence, knowing your identity is secure in Him. Your worth is not defined by others’ opinions or life’s shifting roles, but by God’s eternal love and purpose. - Takeaway: Each day, walk boldly, reminding yourself, “I am chosen and deeply loved by God.”
2. Walk in
as the
(Ephesians 1:7-8)
- “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…” (v. 7)
Application:
Because you have been redeemed and forgiven by God’s grace, walk in freedom from guilt, shame, and past mistakes. As God has extended grace to you, walk in grace toward others by forgiving and showing compassion. - Takeaway: When past regrets surface, walk in the truth, declaring, “I am redeemed and forgiven.” Let this truth free you to extend forgiveness to others.
3. Walk with
,
by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
- “In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit… The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance…” (vv. 13-14)
Application:
Since you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, walk with assurance, knowing that your future is secure. The Spirit empowers you to live out God’s purpose and guides you through life’s uncertainties. - Takeaway: When faced with difficult decisions, walk in assurance, praying, “Holy Spirit, guide my steps today,” and trust in God’s faithfulness.
Personal Notes
Devotionals
Monday: Chosen by God
Scripture: “For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before Him.” – Ephesians 1:4
Reflection:
Before creation, God chose you. This is not based on your merit but His grace. Being chosen reminds us that our worth isn’t found in what we do but in who we are in Christ. This truth changes how we see ourselves and encourages us to walk confidently, knowing we are deeply loved.
Practical Application Question:
How does knowing you were chosen by God impact the way you view yourself today?
Tuesday: Redeemed by Christ
Scripture: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
Reflection:
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are redeemed—bought back from sin’s grip and forgiven completely. Redemption means freedom from shame, guilt, and bondage. This truth empowers us to live boldly and extend the same grace we’ve received to others.
Practical Application Question:
Is there an area in your life where you need to fully embrace God’s forgiveness?
How can you offer grace to someone else this week?
Wednesday: Sealed by the Holy Spirit
Scripture: “In Him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.” – Ephesians 1:13
Reflection:
The Holy Spirit is God’s seal, marking you as His own. This seal is a guarantee of your eternal inheritance and a daily reminder of His presence in your life. You are secure in Him, and His Spirit empowers you to live in alignment with your identity in Christ.
Practical Application Question:
What does it mean to you that the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of your inheritance? How can you lean on His power today?
Thursday: Living in Our Spiritual Blessings
Scripture: “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.” – Ephesians 1:3
Reflection:
God has already provided every spiritual blessing we need in Christ. This truth shifts our perspective, helping us live from abundance rather than lack. When we recognize our blessings, it transforms how we approach challenges and interact with others.
Practical Application Question:
How can you intentionally recognize and live out your spiritual blessings today, especially in your interactions with others?
Friday: Viewing Others Through the Lens of Grace
Scripture: “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He purposed in Christ.” – Ephesians 1:9
Reflection:
God’s plan in Christ unites all things. When we see ourselves as chosen, redeemed, and sealed, it changes how we view others. Instead of judgment or comparison, we can see others through the lens of grace and invite them to experience God’s love.
Practical Application Question:
How can you reflect God’s grace in the way you treat others today, especially those who may be difficult to love?