Ephesians 1:3-6

Introduction:

1. The three primary rules of real estate are location, location, location.

2. The same is true of our spiritual dwelling place as all spiritual blessings are located “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:3).

3. Today we begin a series of lessons on the blessings we have in Christ.

Discussion:

I. The Imperative of Being in Christ

A. “All spiritual blessings” is a universal affirmative; if all spiritual blessings are in Christ, then no spiritual blessings are outside Him.

B. If true, then salvation belongs exclusively to those in Christ.

C. This is congruent with Jesus’ affirmation in John 14:6.

II. The Enormous Cost of Our Entry into Christ

A. Our redemption is in Christ, and it was purchased with His blood (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7).

B. He gave Himself for us while we were His enemies (Romans 5:6-10; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 2:21-25).

C. He forfeited His privileges to grant us the blessings we have in Him (2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5-9; Hebrews 12:1-3).

III. The Conditions for Entering into Christ

A. The most important thing in our lives is to be in Christ.

B. This begs the question of what God requires for entry.

C. In Galatians 3:26-27, Paul states it succinctly: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. “

Conclusion:

1. In the coming weeks, we plan to examine more closely several of the key spiritual blessings God granted us in Christ.

2. The most fundamental question for every one of us is, are we in Christ?

3. If we have followed Paul’s simple formula named above, we can know we are in Him where all spiritual blessings lie.