Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ

06/01/24 – 06/04/24

Conditions for Blessing

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/02/24

Read Ephesians 3:1-21.

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul reminds us of the heavenly blessings available to us and describes the conditions for grasping, understanding, and implementing the power of those spiritual blessings here and now. Sadly, many Christians have knowledge of these blessings, but fail to apply it to everyday life. We can read about these wonderful gifts in Scripture, but that’s like getting a note from the post office telling you there’s a package waiting for you—the next step is to go pick it up. In the same way, there are things we must do to take hold of God’s blessings and grow spiritually.

First, we must be daily empowered by the Spirit of God (see v. 16). When you came to Christ, your spirit was made alive—but your spirit and your flesh still war with each other. Feed your spirit on the Word of God. Then, you will grow spiritually, and when you grow spiritually, sin will be stunted. Ten years from now, you’ll look back on your life and see a tremendous difference.

Second, Christ must dwell in our hearts (see v. 17). You may be thinking, But I thought Christ came to live in me through the Holy Spirit the moment I first believed. Yes, that is true. However, being indwelt by Christ means that we give our lives over to Him more and more each day. We allow Him to shape us so that we become more like Him.

Third, we are to be mastered by love (see vv. 18-19). The more room you give Christ in your life, the more He will reveal to you His indescribable love. The more He exercises lordship over your decisions, finances, calendar, and relationships, the more He will display His love in and through you to others.

Finally, the apostle Paul says we are to be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (v. 19). Every time you give Jesus more space, more territory, more control in your life, the more His presence will fill you. He will fill your heart, your mind, your emotions—until His presence spills over onto the people around you.

Whatever areas of your life you have not given over to Jesus yet, bring them to Him today. Invite Him to take total control, that you might be indwelt by Christ, mastered by love, and filled to overflowing with the love and joy of God.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for neglecting Your precious gifts to me. I long to grow spiritually, rooted and built up in You for my good and for Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, . . .” (Ephesians 3:16).