📖 Scriptures to Read and Ponder
Main Teaching Text:
Ephesians 1:3–14
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,g who has blessed us in the heavenly realmsh with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose usi in him before the creation of the worldj to be holy and blamelessk in his sight. In lovel 5 heb predestinedm us for adoption to sonshipc n through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasureo and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace,p which he has freely given us in the One he loves…….
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 1:17–19 – Paul’s prayer for revelation and enlightenment.
Acts 9:18 – Scales fall from Paul’s eyes: a metaphor of spiritual awakening.
Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good.
John 10:28 – No one can snatch us out of His hand.
Galatians 4:7 – No longer a slave, but a son and heir.
Deuteronomy 7:6 – God’s people are His treasured possession.
1 Peter 2:9 – A chosen people, royal priesthood.
Revelation 1:5–6 – Made us kings and priests.
Titus 2:11–12 – Grace teaches us to live godly lives.
Colossians 3:12–15 – God’s chosen people clothed with love and peace.
Philippians 4:7 – Peace that guards our hearts and minds.
Ephesians 4:29 – Speak what builds up others.
📝 Sermon Recap
I. Introduction: Seeing Beyond the Familiar
Familiarity often blinds us to reality—like clutter in a room, our spiritual sight can become dulled.
Paul prays for spiritual clarity for the Ephesian believers, asking that the “eyes of their hearts” be enlightened.
II. A Damascus Road Revelation
Paul’s own conversion involved physical and spiritual sight being restored.
Acts 9:18 becomes a metaphor for all believers—our inner vision needs to be healed.
III. Spiritual Realities We Must See (Eph. 1:17–19)
Hope of our calling – we are destined for a glorious future.
Riches of God’s inheritance – we belong to Him as His treasured people.
Power toward us who believe – the same power that raised Christ now works in us.
IV. Chosen Before Time (Eph. 1:4)
Not an accident—you were chosen before the foundation of the world.
Like Israel in Deuteronomy 7:6, believers are now God’s chosen and treasured people.
V. Predestined for Adoption (Eph. 1:5–6)
“Proorizo” = marked out beforehand.
Adoption in Roman law was permanent and full of privileges—God has adopted us as His own with full rights as heirs.
VI. Every Spiritual Blessing Is Already Ours (Eph. 1:3)
Already blessed in Christ—past tense.
These blessings are spiritual and eternal:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness
Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (cf. Gal 5:22–23)
Wisdom, power, healing, identity, purpose
VII. Living Like Royalty
Identity shapes lifestyle. Royalty live differently—not to earn favour, but because of their calling.
Scriptures call us royalty (1 Pet 2:9, Rev 1:5–6).
Like earthly royalty, we carry responsibility, purpose, and dignity.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Not just new ideas, but new eyes.”
“You may be weak, but in Christ you are strong.”
“This isn’t about having enough faith—it’s about having your faith in the right Person.”
“You were not born and then heard God’s calling—you were seen, loved, and given purpose before you were born.”
“Princes and princesses don’t ask, ‘How close can I get to the world?’ They ask, ‘How can I honour the King?’”
“You are not common. You are chosen. You are royal. You are empowered.”
❓ Questions for Discussion
What stood out to you from the message, and why?
How does the idea of being chosen before time change how you view your identity?
Paul talks about “every spiritual blessing”—which of these blessings do you most struggle to believe are truly yours?
In what ways does being “in Christ” give you new confidence or purpose?
How can we live more intentionally like “children of the King” in our daily lives?
What “scales” might need to fall from your eyes so that you can see more clearly what God is doing?
📚 Further Reading
Scripture Study:
Romans 8:14–17 – Led by the Spirit, we cry “Abba, Father.”
Galatians 3:26–29 – In Christ, we are all heirs of the promise.
Colossians 2:9–10 – We are complete in Christ.
2 Peter 1:3–4 – We have been given everything we need for life and godliness.
Recommended Books:
The Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore – explores identity in Christ
Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson – understanding spiritual identity
Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God by Brian Zahnd – recovering a grace-centred vision of God
🙏 Prayer Points
For spiritual eyes to be opened
Lord, let the scales fall from our hearts. Enlighten our understanding with Your wisdom and revelation.
To walk in identity, not insecurity
Father, thank You that we are chosen, adopted, and blessed. Help us live from this truth daily.
For the church family to embrace sonship, not slavery
Break off religious striving. Let us serve You not to earn favour, but as dearly loved children.
For empowerment to live as royalty
Holy Spirit, empower us to live holy, set-apart lives—filled with Your love, peace, and purpose.
For clarity of calling and confidence in grace
Let each person at LWC know they have a mission. Let Your grace shape their walk with joy and strength.