Theme: Our Eternal Foundation, Part 3 – Every Spiritual Blessing is in Christ

As the introduction to the last section of chapter 1, these verses mentions two practical ways that our riches in Christ are most vividly displayed. This passage is a prayer of praise offered personally by Paul in response to the testimony of the Ephesians.

Already Obtained

At the moment of salvation, we were given enough of Christ to carry us through all our earthly life and eternity. We don’t realize the riches we have already obtained through Jesus. We don’t need more of Christ or the Holy Spirit. We have a sufficient salvation, a sufficient Savior, and a sufficient Scripture.

We wrongly pray as if we didn’t get enough of the Godhead at the moment of salvation. If we pray for more grace, we cheapen our Savior who’s already provided for us once for all. What we need to pray for is wisdom in how to appropriate the divine resources we already have and how to apply the truth we have received to our lives in obedience.

Two Practical Virtues of the Ephesians church that Paul consistently offered thanks for:

Faith in the Lord Jesus
This refers to saving faith in Jesus that evidences itself in growth. Four years after Paul had last seen them, he heard reports that their faith was still growing, and he praised God for this evidence of their salvation.

Obedience in growth brings assurance to the Christian. It gives the church clarity of purpose and vision. It preserves the purity of the church and provides godly examples for the discipleship of the less mature.

Love for All the Saints
This is another virtue that verifies salvation (see 1 John 3:14). The love God enables us to manifest within the church is similar to the love in a family. We would do anything possible to reconcile if there is dissension.

• Our love is indiscriminate. As one author said, “Christian love does not pick favorites in the church.”
• Our love is selfless and sacrificial. It has no ceiling and is always growing (see 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).
• Not even theology can be a substitute for love. (See 1 Corinthians 13:1.)
• Our love must be active. Love that is not acted on needs to be matured.

A balance of faith and love must be present for the church to best glorify God. Faith without love results in theological drift; love without faith results in a shallow church and starving believers. Growing faith will always produce a growing love. They must go together.

• Mull over the truth that we already have everything we need for godly living in Christ. Meditate on the cross-references below and study out this truth. Let it sink deep into your heart and change the way you think, pray, and live.
• Pray for the church to realize what riches we’ve already obtained in Christ. It will lighten such an unnecessary burden! Pray this for the church worldwide, for this local church, and for yourself.
• Is your heart filled with praise to God? Song and prayer are equally important in private devotions as corporate worship. When you really understand all God has done for you, it’s instinctual for your heart to sing. See Psalm 40:3 and many other verses mentioning the “new song” God gives us. And thank the Lord for the faith and love He’s given us at Grace Church of Mentor!
• Someone who’s been truly born again will grow. Does your life show this evidence of saving faith? If not, it may be time to search out your own salvation. There is really no excuse not to grow. Have you really been persuaded that Jesus is fully capable?
• Do you believe the church is the most glorious place in the universe? If so, you will rejoice to be with God’s people and praise Him for the faith and love He has given to them. Ask God for a true, genuine love for His local church.

Cross References to Explore:

• 2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:13, Romans 5:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:7 – We have been given all we need in Christ.
• James 1:5, 1 Kings 3:9 – Pray for wisdom.
• Romans 10:9 and 14:9 – Jesus must be both Savior and Lord, or neither.
• 1 John 3:16-18, John 13:34 – Love must be active.

A Hymn to Encourage: “Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know”

Ask ye what great thing I know,
that delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on his right,
with the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
this delights and stirs me so:
faith in him who died to save,
him who triumphed o'er the grave:
Jesus Christ, the crucified.