“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3).
I find it both fascinating and instructive that Paul begins a letter to the saints in Ephesus by a celebration of praise for God who is the source of every spiritual blessing. Verses 3 through 13 form one long sentence, in which blessing cascades upon blessing, all from the hands of God. We will look at these blessings one after the other, but they are difficult to separate one from the other, since they all reflect the grace of God.
There are four themes which will sound through this entire doxology. First, God is at work in history to accomplish His perfect plan. Second, the purpose of God is fulfilled in Christ. For that reason, all blessings are found in Him. Third, man’s purpose and goal is to live “to the praise of His glory (12). Fourth, man must hear and respond to the gospel to be sealed “in Him” (13).
The image that Paul employs throughout this letter is that of the victorious and exalted Christ seated at the right hand of the Father pouring out “every spiritual blessing” upon His church. The blessings are the spiritual gifts which transcend the material and thus give us the true appreciation of all the earthly blessings of God. I am not being trite when I say that “every” means “every.”
You lack nothing that you need to serve God effectively in this life. Every spiritual blessing!
Prayer: Father, I will serve you according to the fullness of every spiritual blessing. Amen