Sermon: Supernatural Blessings: Riches And Power

SUPERNATURAL BLESSINGS: RICHES AND POWER
(Ephesians 1:3, 15-23)
A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 10 August 2008

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” – (Ephesians 1:3)

God the Father has blessed us “in the heavenly realms.” On a level other than the one we can see, at a supernatural level. He wants us to live according to that blessing. God wants you to live on another level.

I. THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S RICHES. Vv3, 18b

The prayer to increase one’s wealth is possibly the second most common prayer people pray, while the prayer for health may be the most common.

“the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints,”- Vs. 18 – Just think! We are His inheritance! God has not only given us an inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:3–4), but He has made us an inheritance for Christ. We don’t have to wait until then to enjoy these riches. We are already in Christ. Realize your position and spiritual wealth in Christ. Allow it to change the way you live. When we are born into the family of God we are born rich. Romans 8:17.

YOU ARE BLESSED! The Blessings for Christians (Eph. 1:3-14)
How has God blessed us? Let us count the ways! God has made available a list of blessings for us. “Chosen in Christ” “Holy and blameless”  “Adopted as Children”  “Forgiveness of Sins” “The Mystery of His Will”

“All spiritual blessings.” God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches. Nothing has been held back. God has, already, not gradually and not at some future date, but ‘has’, blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

II. THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S POWER. Verses 19-23.
The greatest power shortage today is not in our generators or our gas tanks. It is in our personal lives.

V19 .. “and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength!” Here Paul introduces a new and important theme in the letter - ‘Power!’ Ephesians emphasizes power more than any other NT letter. Paul pulls out and unloads the adjectives and synonyms to make sure that we cannot and do not miss, mistake, or underestimate what he is saying. The transcendent, immeasurable, more-than-sufficient greatness of His dynamic power. Paul heaps up terms that defy description in speaking of God’s power. Have we fully taken hold of the power that is available to us?

In vs. 19 alone he uses four different words for power.

1. “power (dynamis)” A raw strength or power of great potential. English n.: dynamite

2. “the working (energeia)” The inward propulsion or operation of power/energy.

3. “vast (kratos)” Power used in resistance, control, or to conquer/overcome.

4. “strength (ischys)” physical, bodily force.

There is power to save us and to keep us. There is power to change and transform us. There is power to lead us and to use us. There is power to be glorified in us and through us. There is power, power wonder working power in the precious blood of the lamb.

a. God’s power is “Exceedingly Great”
b. God’s Power is Extended to Us.
c.  God’s Power Exalted Jesus as the Head of the Church

We can re-discover God’s mighty POWER toward us:
a. It is resurrection power (1:19b-20)
b. It is also authoritative power (1:20)
c. It is Living Power!

III. HOW TO ENTER INTO SUPERNATUAL BLESSINGS …
“the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” - “The heart” was universally considered to be the very epicenter of one’s being - the control room of our emotion and will. That is, our spiritual core. Too often we put too much emphasis on knowing Christ with our mind (facts) and not enough on our hearts! “the eyes” refers to vision, in this case spiritual vision. This is where they need to go next – “That you may know”  This is not a head-knowledge – this is a spirit-knowledge.

1.  THAT YOU MAY KNOW …. (vv. 17-19)

2.  PLUGGED –IN

You can lead the overcoming life only by being connected to Christ – the source of power. If you must experience the victory of the power of the cross – walk close with the Supplier of that Power – the Lord Jesus Christ! The closer you walk with Him consistently, the greater the deliverance you’ll experience. Hold on to Christ the Supplier of your power to overcome.  There is no power without the connection! And how can you be connected to Christ?

Believe in Christ – you can do nothing to earn His power, its freely given by grace if you believe.
Know Christ – make an effort to get to know Christ with your heart and your head. Christianity isn’t a religion it is a relationship!
Obey Christ - take up your cross and follow Him day to day and start experiencing the power of the Cross impact every facet of your life!