Sermon Spiritual Blessings What’s in it for Me? Introduction

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

[3] 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, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

In love [5] he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

[7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [8] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

[10] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will… (Ephesians 1:1-11 ESV)

“What does God think of you right now?” In Christ we are Forgiven!!! Forgiveness – We might call this the first fruit of Redemption.

Part of our new identity as God's adopted and redeemed children is to see ourselves as "Forgiven”.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins

God’s forgiveness should move us to confess to God and others? If you’re forgiven and you know it, then your life should surely show it.

Does His forgiveness move you to forgive others? [32] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

The Christian life is Radical because being “in Christ” changes our ROOT, thus it changes our FRUIT. Do you see yourself as one who has been lavishly forgiven, or do you see yourself as one who is always a victim of other people?

CSI: Highlands C ommunity with Believers S piritual intimacy with God I nfluence with non-believers- Gospel repentance is as powerful a witness as a godly example

The Cruelty of Apartheid, and the Wonder of Amazing Grace