How do you see yourself- when you move around the world and interact with people of this world? You may think that they are blessed with so many material things; but, do you know of the spiritual riches we have in Christ Jesus?
Today I want to share a simple message of some of the privileges we enjoy in Christ. But let me start with where we were and how we were before we knew Christ-for it is better for us sometimes to just glance back (as in a rearview mirror). See yourselves sometime in the past before you came to Christ: that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12).
This was our condition. We were:
- Without Christ – separated from Christ
- Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel: the nation specially chosen by God to inherit the land flowing with milk and honey. And we were not part of that!
- Strangers from the covenants of promise: the promise given to Abraham: “I will bless you. And make you a blessing.”
- Without hope and without God: you know for those without Christ, there is no hope after death. They live a life without hope and without God!
But now, in Christ, we are included in the commonwealth of Israel, and have the covenants of promise with us originally handed out to Abraham. Now we live with hope knowing death is not the end. We have ourselves tasted both the abundant life and eternal life. (In the past week, I had to attend two funerals- amidst the grief, I am always reminded of the glorious hope that we have: Grave is not the end- but a door to eternity!)
The Lord our God is with us. Without Him, we are nothing. But with Him, we have everything! In the Book of Revelation, Jesus spoke to the church at Laodicea saying “…you say I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor…” (Rev. 3:17). But to the church at Smyrna, Jesus says, “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);” (Rev. 2:9).
What a difference to have Jesus! Let me share with you 4 of the privileges that we have in Christ.
1. Brought near to God – Eph. 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
What a great distance separated us from God! But Jesus bridged that gap for us and in Him and His redeeming blood, we, who were far have come near to God. We can reach out to Him. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. The psalmist says: But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. (Psalm 73:28).
Therefore do not keep your burdens to yourself. There is someone near, and He cares. Cast all your burdens on the Lord. Find rest in Him.
2. Predestined to Adoption – Eph. 1:5
‘…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…’
You know, in the olden days, there used to be one big joint family, (as portrayed in the Old Testament) with male servants, female servants, maids and workers- all living together with their children. But the master’s children had special privileges that none of the servants had. These are the privileges that I am talking about, as we come to God as our Father; because we have been adopted into the family of God as sons and daughters- through Jesus Christ. Now, we can come to God- our Father, boldly. We are able to call Him “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). Understand that this is a great privilege- that even the many angels and archangels of heaven do not have!
In eternity past, Jesus is God’s only Son. And then He came to this earth, and taught us to pray “Our Father in heaven…” And in His good pleasure, God has chosen us- yes, even us, to be sons of God. Call Him today: "Our Father!"
3. Inheritance – Eph. 1:11
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will…
We have an inheritance in the kingdom of God- an inheritance that is far more valuable than anything in this world; an inheritance that will not fade away. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). He has chosen us to give- an inheritance of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. An inheritance that is for keeps! Till eternity!
4. Every spiritual blessing – Eph. 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…
Sing out for joy! Break forth into song! We are blessed with every spiritual blessing (and not that He will bless us- but that He has blessed us). The riches of His grace are poured out lavishly on us (Eph. 1:8). Redemption, forgiveness, grace, wisdom, prudence (Eph. 1:7)- you name any spiritual blessing; you have it!
Indeed, what a privileged people we are, as Christ’s. Know this- from where you came, and where you are now. Let thankfulness and praise fill our hearts; In Jesus name, Amen.
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