Lesson 217: Ephesians 1:3
Ephesians 1:3
The Blueprint — The Verse
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.
Memorization Practice
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Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
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The Context — The History
Ephesians is likely a circular letter to churches in Asia Minor, celebrating God's cosmic plan in Christ. Paul opens with a Jewish-style berakah blessing God for spiritual riches in the heavenly realms.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Before detailing election, redemption, and unity, Paul blesses the Father who has already blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ in heavenly places.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Ephesians 1:2
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Ephesians 1:2) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Ephesians 1:4
4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Ephesians 1:4) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- Which spiritual blessing in Christ do you most need to remember?
- How does praise at the start of prayer reshape your perspective?
- What does 'in heavenly realms' suggest about your present standing?