Claiming Your Possessions in Christ (Ephesians 1)
This sermon unpacks the profound spiritual possessions believers have in Jesus Christ, guiding listeners to a deeper understanding of their identity and resources. It reveals how God's work on the cross provides a foundation for living a life of peace and confidence.
This sermon urges believers to understand and claim their spiritual blessings, inheritance, and direct access to God, all secured by the cross, to overcome feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.
Overview
The sermon begins by establishing that redemption and forgiveness are already accomplished facts, past tense, sealed by the cross 2,000 years ago. It emphasizes that everything a believer has and needs is centered around the cross. The core argument then shifts to the "possessions in Christ" detailed in Ephesians, starting with the concept of God blessing believers.
The preacher explains that when God blesses, it is an action, not just words. Before anyone was born, God Almighty deposited every spiritual blessing, all that love allows and omnipotence can provide, into their account in heaven. This profound truth means there is no legitimate reason for believers to ever feel inadequate or incapable, as such feelings are described as lies from the devil.
Next, the sermon explores the believer's inheritance, stating that we have obtained an inheritance and are joint heirs with Christ, predestined by God's will. This inheritance is not based on personal merit but on what Jesus did at the cross, with the Holy Spirit serving as a pledge of this eternal gift. It underscores that God is not "chinchy" but has already provided everything needed for life on earth.
Finally, the sermon highlights the open, unhindered access believers have to God the Father through Christ and the Holy Spirit. This access allows direct communion without mediators. The message concludes by challenging listeners to stop doubting, claiming their rightful possessions by faith, and being liberated from feelings of inadequacy, as there is no glory to God in a "settle for life."
Key points
- Redemption and the forgiveness of sins were fully provided 2,000 years ago at the cross.
- God has blessed believers with 'every spiritual blessing' (Ephesians 1:3), depositing all needs into their heavenly account before birth.
- Feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, and insecurity are lies from the devil, as believers are not inadequate in Christ.
- Believers have obtained an inheritance and are joint heirs with Christ, by God's will and the cross, not by personal deserving.
- The Holy Spirit serves as a pledge or seal of this inheritance, confirming God's provision.
- Through Christ, believers have open and unhindered access to God the Father in one Spirit.
- God wants believers to claim their spiritual possessions by faith, rather than living a "settle for life."
In Charles Stanley's words
“When you take one step away from the cross, you're in trouble.”
“Every single blessing that love will allow and that God's omnipotence can provide.”
“Our feelings of inadequacy are straight from the devil.”
Outline
- I. Our Redemption and Forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
- A. Redemption through Christ's blood is past tense.
- B. All forgiveness was provided 2,000 years ago.
- C. Everything is centered around the cross.
- II. Our Possessions in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
- A. God's blessing is an action, not just words.
- B. God deposited every spiritual blessing before our birth.
- 1. All that love will allow and omnipotence provide.
- 2. Not based on personal goodness or actions.
- C. Responding to feelings of inadequacy.
- 1. Feelings of inadequacy are from the devil.
- 2. We are inadequate in ourselves, but not in Him.
- III. Our Inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11)
- A. We have obtained an inheritance, predestined by God's purpose.
- B. We are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17).
- C. This inheritance is due to the cross, not our deserving.
- D. The Holy Spirit is a pledge of this inheritance (Ephesians 1:14).
- IV. Our Access to God (Ephesians 2:17-18, Romans 5:1-2)
- A. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
- B. We have obtained access by faith into this grace (Romans 5:2).
- C. Access is like a channel to safety or an introduction to a king.
- D. We have open, unhindered access to God the Father.
- E. God wants to bless those who claim what is theirs by faith.
Scripture references
- Ephesians 1:7
- Ephesians 1:3
- Ephesians 1:11
- Romans 8:16-17
- Ephesians 1:14
- Ephesians 2:17
- Ephesians 2:18
- Romans 5:1
- Romans 5:2
- Hebrews
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Insights
God's past action defines present reality more than present feelings.
Every spiritual blessing in Christ was deposited long ago.
Inadequacy is a lie when viewed through God's provision.
Questions & answers
What is the core message of this sermon?
The sermon's core message is that believers possess everything they need in Christ—redemption, forgiveness, every spiritual blessing, an inheritance, and direct access to God—all secured by the cross. Understanding and claiming these truths by faith liberates from feelings of inadequacy.
What does 'redemption' mean in this sermon's context?
In this sermon, redemption means that Jesus paid the price at the cross to buy believers out of a life of sin, setting them on a new road with a new life. This act of redemption happened 2,000 years ago and is past tense.
How does the sermon address feelings of inadequacy?
The sermon states that feelings of inadequacy come straight from the devil. It argues that because God has deposited every spiritual blessing into believers' heavenly accounts, there is no legitimate reason to feel inadequate or incapable when trusting in God's provision.
What does it mean to have 'every spiritual blessing' (Ephesians 1:3)?
According to the sermon, it means that before a believer was born, God Almighty deposited into their heavenly account every single blessing that love will allow and God's omnipotence can provide. This provision is not based on personal merit but on the price Jesus paid at the cross.
What is the inheritance discussed in the sermon?
The sermon teaches that believers have obtained an inheritance and are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This means that all that God the Father has given His Son, He has also put the believer's name on the title deed to, making them participators in all God owns.
How do believers have 'access to God'?
Through the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross and acceptance of Him as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into one's life, granting open and unhindered access to God the Father. This means believers can go straight to God without human mediation.
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Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on In Touch Ministries. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.