Part 3 of A New Community: The Church Living Out God’s Gospel (Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians) – We’ve all heard stories of people who amass great wealth but who live lives of abject poverty. It is a sad disconnect, but it is one that is too often found among Christians. They have been “blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ,” but they live as spiritual paupers. Paul doesn’t want that to happen to these Ephesian believers, so his initial words of benediction (1:3-14) are immediately followed by passionate intercession (1:15-23). He prays that they, and us, may appropriate the glorious blessings of the gospel.

Part 2 of A New Community: The Church Living Out God’s Gospel – Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with an effusion of praise as the Apostle reflects on the blessings of the gospel. Last time we reflected on the triune God of the gospel–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–who is to be blessed. This morning we focus on the blessings of the gospel with which we are blessed. The Apostle urges us to look in marvelous wonder at who we are in the Christ.