BIBLE STUDY METHODS - Ephesians 1:3

We saw this Sunday that Paul wrote the book of Ephesians during the same time that he wrote four of his other letters: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon - all while in prison in Rome (approximately AD 60-62).

Below are my notes for this lesson:

LESSON 2: SIX ASPECTS OF BLESSING
Ephesians 1:3

NOTE: Verses 1:3-14 was one sentence in the Greek: 202 words.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3)

1. GOD IS THE BLESSED ONE:

Blessed is from the Greek word: Eulogetos …. “eulogize” (praise). Eulogy – to speak well of, to bless (thank), praise. To “kneel down”, “adore with bended knees”. Eulogetos pertains “to being worthy of praise or commendation – ‘one to be praised’” The NT applies it only to God, describing His “intrinsic character.” God is good! There is none that is good BUT God.

    Matthew 19:17
    Genesis 14:20
    Revelations 5:13

2. GOD IS THE BLESSER:

God blesses because He is the source of every good thing…not of “some” good things, but EVERY good thing.

    James 1:17
    Romans 8:28

3. BELIEVERS ARE THE BLESSED:

God’s wonderful grace, His marvelous providence, and His sovereign plan He has chosen to bless us! Who are the blessed? Who are the “us”?

    Galatians 3:9

4. HOW MUCH BLESSING?:

He blesses us with all that is possible to be dispensed to us through the agency of the Spirit of God. Because we don’t know our resources we need the Holy Spirit to make intercession for us.

    Romans 5:5
    John 14:27
    Philippians 4:13
    2 Peter 1:3

5. WHERE ARE THE BLESSINGS?:

It isn’t just heaven; the heavenlies simply mean the supernatural world of God, the domain of God, the divine realm. In chapter 6, we will see that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”…in the heavenlies; heavenly realms; heavenly places.

    Philippians 3:20
    Luke 16:8
    Ephesians 2:6

6. WHY AM I BLESSED?:

Two words: “IN CHRIST”. When you became a Christian you were placed in a marvelous union with Christ. I am in Christ so His position is my position.

    1 Corinthians 6:17
    Romans 8:16-17 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…”