Ephesians, Week 2: Every Spiritual Blessing (Ephesians 1:3–14)

These notes are from the first session of our Fall 2025 Sunday School class in Ephesians. They are provided for the devotional use of class participants and for the benefit of any others who may find them helpful. They are not intended as an academic publication and have not been professionally edited.

All That Heaven Has to Give

If someone asked you what it means to be "blessed," what would you say?

A good job? Healthy kids? A beautiful sunset or a restful vacation?

Paul's answer might surprise you. When he talks about blessing in Ephesians 1:3–14, he doesn't start with anything you can see or touch. He opens with one of the longest sentences in the New Testament—202 words in Greek—pouring out gratitude for every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Paul's basically saying: if you're in Christ, you already have everything you need.

This passage is a doxology, a song of praise that lifts our eyes beyond what's visible into what's eternal. Paul wants the Ephesian believers (and us) to know what God has already done for them in Christ before he tells them what to do.

There's that gospel order again: who you are before what you do. Before Paul gives a single command, he unpacks our identity: chosen, adopted, redeemed, sealed. Our obedience flows not from insecurity but from security in God's grace. We don't work for blessing. We live from it.

The Source of Every Blessing (v. 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..."

Paul starts with praise: "Blessed be God." He blesses the One who has blessed us. Beautiful symmetry. The word "bless" (eulogētos) means to speak well of (think of a eulogy at a funeral). Paul is saying, "Let's speak well of God, because he's spoken grace over us."

But notice what kind of blessings Paul praises. Not material ones. Spiritual ones. These aren't promises of wealth or comfort but something more significant and lasting: every benefit of salvation that comes from being united with Christ.

Where are these blessings? "In the heavenly places." That doesn't mean "far away" though. Heavenly places means their secure, eternal, and beyond the reach of this world's decay. These blessings aren't circumstantial. They're cosmic.

The key phrase here and throughout Ephesians—repeated throughout the passage—is "in Christ." Every spiritual blessing comes through Jesus. Outside him, there's no true spiritual blessing. In him, nothing's missing.

Discussion: Are you more aware of what you lack or what you've already received in Christ? How would your daily mindset change if you believed you already had every spiritual blessing?

Chosen in Love, Adopted in Grace (vv. 4–6)

"…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…"

Paul takes us back. Way back. Before creation. Before you were born, before you could prove anything or earn anything, God chose you in Christ. This is election, and while it raises questions, Paul brings it up here not to confuse but to comfort. You're not an accident. You weren't a reluctant addition to God's people. You were chosen.

What were we chosen for? Holiness. Love. Adoption. This isn't just a ticket to heaven but a complete transformation of identity and family.

"In love he predestined us for adoption..." Think about this. In the Roman world, adoption gave full rights as a son, including inheritance. Paul's saying that you and I, once spiritual orphans, are now fully part of God's family. Not as houseguests. As beloved children.

All of this, Paul says, happens "to the praise of his glorious grace." God's grace isn't a footnote. It's the headline.

Discussion: When you think of God's view of you, do you picture disappointment or delight? What difference does it make to know your identity as God's adopted child?

Redeemed Through His Blood (vv. 7–10)

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses..."

Now Paul shifts from eternity past to Christ's work in history. Redemption is liberation language. Think of slaves being bought back. Jesus paid our ransom, not with silver or gold, but with his own blood (c.f., 2 Corinthians 5:21).

With that redemption comes forgiveness. Not partial. Not probationary. Full and incontrovertible pardon.

Paul goes on to describe how God's grace "abounds," not just enough to cover your past but overflowing into your present and future. Jesus doesn't just offer us a second chance to get things right. He left nothing to chance in completely securing our redemption, first to last. This grace isn't sparing or partial; it gets "lavished" on us with all wisdom and insight.

There's more. Redemption isn't just personal. It's cosmic. God's plan is "to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." The word means to sum up, to bring together. Here's the big picture: God is not only putting individual people back together. He's putting the fractured universe back together under Christ's rule.

Discussion: Are you living like someone who's been redeemed or someone still in chains? How can forgiveness fuel both humility and freedom in your life?

Sealed with the Spirit, Secure in the Promise (vv. 11–14)

"In him we have obtained an inheritance... In him you also... were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit..."

Now Paul brings the whole Trinity into view. Chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, sealed by the Holy Spirit.

In the ancient world, as in some cases today, a seal marked ownership and security. To be sealed by the Spirit means you belong to God, and nothing can break that seal.

The Spirit is also a guarantee, a down payment on our full inheritance. Your best days in Christ aren't behind you. They're not even in this life. The Spirit is your first taste of eternal glory.

Paul reminds both Jewish and Gentile believers (notice how he shifts from "we" to "you also") that they share the same inheritance. Revolutionary stuff. No second-class citizens in the kingdom. All are one in Christ.

Again, Paul circles back to the purpose: "to the praise of his glory." Our salvation isn't mainly about our story. It's about his.

Discussion: Do you live with the confidence that the Spirit has sealed you? How can the hope of your inheritance shape your present struggles?

Conclusion: Start With Praise

It's easy to skim this passage or get lost in the theology. But don't miss Paul's invitation and aim: worship. He's overwhelmed by grace. He can't help but praise.

He invites us to do the same.

When you feel discouraged, uncertain, or spiritually dry, come back to these verses. Let them reframe your perspective. You're not lacking. You're not forgotten. You are chosen, redeemed, sealed, and blessed.

All of this is already yours. Not because you earned it. Because he gave it.

Let your life become a living echo of this refrain: To the praise of his glorious grace.

We’d love to have you join us as we continue this study together each Sunday this fall. The class meets at First Free Church, in the gymnasium, at 9:30 AM.

These Sunday School summaries are solely intended for the personal devotional use of church members and friends. They are not transcripts or academic works and should not be reproduced or distributed without permission.

Originally prepared by Kevin Labby during his vocational service at First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport. Used with permission. Copyright remains with the church. Please do not reproduce or distribute without written consent from both the church and the author.