Verse 3 shows us that we are to bless God (thank Him and honor Him for His goodness). He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and, for the sake of Christ, He has loved us and blessed us (John 16:27; I Corinthians 1:4) Note: for Christ's sake we should love and bless others. ( Ephesians 4:31-32; 6:23-24). If we are going to be thankful we need to be first thoughtful of the blessings we have received. Hopefully, we will also be faithful with those blessings, so that our lives, as well as our words, bless God for all that He has done for us (Psalm 103:1-2; 116:12-14). Today, let's examine what verse 3 calls "...spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

Timeless and Spiritual Blessings

God gives us many earthly blessings (they are important and we should be thankful), but they are secondary to the blessings that God has given us for our spiritual and eternal relationship with Him and with each other. Note that Hebrews 12:9 refers to God as "...the Father of spirits..."

God has made us Holy and Righteous. – Ephesians 1:4 cp. Romans 14:17

God has moved us to an environment of Love. – Ephesians 1:4-5 cp. I John 4:16, 18-19

God has made us members of His Forever Family. – Ephesians 1:5 cp. Romans 8:15

• Acceptance – Ephesians 1:6
• Redemption – Ephesians 1:7
• Forgiveness - Ephesians 1:7
• Access to the riches of His Grace - Ephesians 1:7b-8 Romans 5:1-2; II Corinthians 12:9-10; II Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 13:9; Philippians 4:19
• Revelation of Truth (God's mystery = family secrets, kept from the unbelieving world) Ephesians 1:9 cp. Ephesians 1:15-18; I Corinthians 2:9-16)
• Inheritance (shared with all believers) – Ephesians 1:10-11a, 18; I Peter 1:3-5

God has made a purpose for our existence ( in this life and for all eternity) – Ephesians 1:11b-12; 2:7 cp. Romans 8:18, 28-30; I Thessalonians 4:16-18

God has made us secure Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30 cp. John 14:1-6, 15-23; Romans 8:30-39