Title [Ephesians 1:1-2] Paul’s Blessing
Text: Ephesians 1:1-2
Title: Paul's Blessing
1. It reveals about Paul himself, who performed the blessing (1).
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” ① Paul called himself an apostle of Christ Jesus. Apostle means one who is sent. That is, it is revealing the fact that he was sent as an evangelist by Christ Jesus. That is why Paul had a strong sense of duty. In Acts 20:24, his sense of duty is mentioned more specifically. “I do not regard even my life as precious in the least, so that I may finish the course I am running and the mission I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” We hope that we will regain our sense of mission and become faithful believers who risk their lives like Paul.
2. The saints who will be blessed are revealed (1).
“The saints in Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus.” The saints are deserving of the blessing, and they are said to be “the faithful in Christ Jesus.” To be called a saint, two things must be met. One must be in Christ Jesus and the other must be faithful. Faithfulness means having faith and allegiance to Christ. We must always look after ourselves. Am I still in Jesus Christ as a branch is attached to a tree? Do I really have faith and loyalty to Christ! If we can confidently say yes, then we can say that we are sincere saints, and if we can say that we are sincere saints, please remember that then we can be objects of blessing.
3. Paul prayed for grace and peace (2).
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. ① I prayed for grace and peace. Grace is all benefits including the free grace of salvation, and peace is not only peace but also material blessings and prosperity. Paul prayed that this blessing would come to all the saints. ② The blessings of grace and peace confirm that God gives them. No one in the world can give you grace and peace. Only God can give us grace and peace. finish the speech. Like Paul, let us be faithful to our God-given office with a sense of duty. Also, I hope that we will all become faithful saints who live in Jesus Christ and enjoy grace and peace.