05-19-2019 – Spiritual Blessings

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5.19.19 ~ Ephesians 1:3,

Spiritual Blessings

Origin - early 60's A.D. Author - Apostle Paul.
Paul pastored the church in Ephesus for about three years; then Timothy, served another year or so, where he faced many challenges, as Paul’s instruction to him clearly reveals (see 1Timothy 4:1-5; 2Timothy 4:1-4).
False teachers turned the people away from Christ, toward godless philosophies and practices they should have stood against (see Revelation 2:4-5), and by the 3rd century A.D., the church in Ephesus ceased to exist!
God's greatest gift is Jesus Christ, through whom we receive forgiveness and eternal life, (see John 1:12-13; 3:16-18, 36; Romans 3:21-24; 6:22-23).
We are live for Christ (see 2Corinthians 5:17-20). Read Ephesians 1:1-2... Paul is an apostle of Jesus
Christ by the will of God (see Ephesians 4:11-12).
Jesus was the most preeminent Apostle (Hebrews 3:1), “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.”
There were 12 apostles minus one (Judas), plus one Matthias (see Acts 1:21-26), plus Paul (see Acts 9:1-15; Galatians 1:1, 11-18; 2:6-9; Romans 1:1-7; 1Corinthians 15:1-9).
Apostles were appointed directly by Christ (see Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:13-14); and they had to be a witness of the resurrected Christ (see Acts 1:21-22).
Paul was the last to become an apostle; when the New Testament was completed, the office of apostle was closed. There are no apostles in the church today.
Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus, made holy and acceptable to God through Christ’s death and resurrection.
No wonder Paul writes (Ephesians 1:2), "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," for all those who have come to God through faith in Christ have received God's Grace and Peace. Paul often used this greeting in his letters (cf. Galatians 1:3; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2).
The Book of Ephesians has three main categories: our Wealth in chapters 1-3 (see Ephesians 3:14-21); our Walk in chapters 4-5 (see Ephesians 4:17-24); our Warfare in chapter 6 (see Ephesians 6:10-18).
Paul as a representative of Christ, speaks God's Word of grace and peace, to all who will trust and believe in Jesus Christ: crucified, resurrected, and coming again.
Paul’s authority comes from God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; each member of the Godhead is equally divine and equally sovereign.
As we study the teachings in this Book, I believe we will gain a much deeper understanding of the wealth we have been given in Christ, that we might apply God's Word as we walk humbly, yet boldly, as God's people; fully aware of the warfare we will engage in.
2Timothy 3:12, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” 23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for
men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”