1. How “rich” are you?

2.  Did you know that one of the surest ways to become disheartened and dejected is constantly look at and long for things that: 1.You do not have, and 2.You are not likely to attain?  Conversely, one of the surest ways to become encourage and cheerful is to do what the song says and “Count You Blessings”.

3. Let’s spend a few minutes “counting our blessings” along with Paul as enumerated them to the Ephesians regarding: “The Wealth of Christianity”

4. A. His Grace, Ephesians 1:7  The riches of this grace made possible the redemption of our souls and the forgiveness of our sins. Cf. 1Cor.6:19-20; Matt.18:23ff

5. B. The Glory of His Inheritance, Eph.1:18  Neither you nor your parents are /were able to leave any more precious inheritance than that of faith in God and love for His church! A legacy composed of such as these is worth far more than any monetary amount could ever provide (cf. Matt.16:26).  The “inheritance” spoken of in Eph.1:18 is that of heaven- the eternal hope of our calling. Please note the “wealth” associated with its description in Rev.21.

6. C. His Mercy, Ephesians 2:4  Because of the “great love with which He loved us” the just and righteous penalty of our sins (Rom.6:23) was paid by our Savior Jesus Christ!  Through this manifestation of mercy, we were made alive even though dead in sin. cf. Titus 3:3-7.

7. D. of Christ, Ephesians 3:8  The “riches” are defined within this context as being the gospel, cf. vv.1-7.  Indeed, how precious is that gospel which brings salvation and reconciliation to all without respect to race, background, or social disposition. cf. Matt.13:44-46; 7:6; Col.1:24-27

8. E. the Glory of His Strengthening Power, Ephesians 3:16ff  This passage (vv.16-21), is the prayer offered by Paul in behalf of the Ephesians. In it, he prayed that they be strengthened by: Power through His Spirit in the inner man, Rom.8:1-11; 12:1-2 Christ dwelling in their hearts by faith, Rom.8:9-10 To root and ground them in love to comprehension, John 3:3 To know breadth…length…height…depth of Christ’s love- which surpasses knowledge. To the end that they might be filled to all the fullness of God, Gen.1:26-27.

9. Indeed, “Count Your Many Blessings” for you are “rich” in Christ! If you’re not “in Christ” on the other hand, Galatians 3:27!