Young People's Group

Blessing God for His Blessings

by Mitchell Tan
June 19, 2019

“BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST”

One of the things that Paul sought to do was to bless the Lord for all His blessings. He was able to recognize how richly blessed the church is. He sought to give praise to God in a special way.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ …”
Ephesians 1:3

1. THE PRACTICE OF BLESSING

The Greek adjective “eulogétos” means “to speak well of” or “to bless”. The idea behind “to bless” is to speak highly of someone. This word is also where the English word “eulogy” comes from. In the Old Testament, blessing the Lord was a common practice. The Levites blessed His glorious name which is exalted above all blessing and praise (Nehemiah 9:5). This was a very Hebrew way of praising the Lord.

2. THE PERSONAL GRATITUDE TO GOD AS FATHER

Paul saw the Lord as One who is both God and Father. When we receive the Lord Jesus in our heart and believe in His name, God becomes our Father and we have the right to become His children (John 1:12). He is to be seen as a faithful parent. He is a Father who watches over us faithfully.

3. THE PROFOUND PRACTICE OF ADDRESSING GOD AS FATHER

Paul’s way of addressing God was a very personal and profound way of describing Him. He saw the relationship between God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of a father and son relationship. The Lord God was that faithful parent to the Lord Jesus. This was the Father that Paul was deeply appreciative of.

“BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS”

“… Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”
Ephesians 1:3

There is a play of words with reference to the word “blessed”. In this context, the word “blessed” highlights how greatly blessed we are.

1. GOD AS THE SOURCE OF ALL BLESSINGS

The One from whom all blessings come from is God. He has blessed His people both physically and spiritually. In the Old Testament, the focus of blessing was more on the physical. In the New Testament, the focus of blessing is more on the spiritual. We are richly blessed because of our salvation in Christ.

2. GOD’S SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS ARE INVISIBLE YET VERY REAL

There are many blessings that come with our salvation in Christ. They are meant to be discovered along the way. These blessings have already been given to the Church. It is up to us to understand and appreciate them. Furthermore, the Church is blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. There are many spiritual blessings in the spiritual realm that we cannot see. Yet, they are very real and special.

3. ALL HIS BLESSINGS ARE FOUND IN CHRIST

It is in the sphere of Christ that we can appreciate and apply these spiritual blessings. These blessings are found in and through Him. Young people, we are far more blessed spiritually than we realize. Let’s seek to understand and appreciate these spiritual blessings. Let’s also seek to bless the Lord as we learn to be grateful for them.

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