“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3
“What a blessing!” Surely you have said that phrase before or have heard another person saying that in your presence (but not necessarily about your presence!). In Paul’s letter the church at Ephesus he tells them that they indeed should be saying this phrase as they have received “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
What does this phrase mean?
Paul gives some context later in the first chapter, namely that we might know God through spiritual wisdom and revelation (v. 17). Our spiritual blessings are in the knowledge and joy in knowing God—a relationship with God is the spiritual blessing! Twice, Paul says that these blessings are to the “praise of his glory.”
God the Father has lavished the gifts of his blessing upon us so that we might be able to praise him more fully through those gifts. The plan was revealed so that all things in heaven and on earth might be fully united together (v. 10). When we receive his spiritual blessings and use them to glorify God we are an active participant in uniting heaven and earth. This is one of the ways that God calls us to join him on his mission.
Do you see all things as a gift? Maybe not, especially if you have fought hard to earn them. Consider your accomplishments, progress, milestones, or promotions: Did you earn them? Or are they gifts of spiritual blessings that you can praise God through?
Here are few more questions to consider:
- How have you been blessed spiritually?
- What spiritual blessings have you received that you have taken for granted?
- Do you seek to give “praise of his glory” through these blessings?
- Do you selfishly hold on to these blessings for your own gain?
Adam Christiansen is the Community Groups pastor at the Ballard church.
