First…Remember These Blessings

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him. In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.  The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:7-14 CSB

First…Remember These Blessings

Being a Christian on mission to spread the Gospel in this fallen world will elicit attacks from Satan and his demons. We are his enemy and although he cannot crush us, he would like to. As we engage in learning about Spiritual Warfare, it is good to re-visit these reminders of all that we have as a result of being a Christ follower. We have hope. Satan and his schemers would love for us to look around, overwhelmed, and give up. The kind of hope we have in Christ because of our relationship and identity in him is for now and for eternity. Because we have this hope in him we can stand firm on the battlefield in the midst of any attacks and spiritual wars that we find ourselves in the midst of. 

Seven things from Ephesians Chapter 1 that can bring us hope:

1. We have been Redeemed - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 Jesus Christ has redeemed us, and we are forgiven because of His grace.
2. We have a promise - In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit… Ephesians 1:13  We heard and believed and when we gave our hearts to Him as our Savior, He put His stamp of ownership on us by giving us the Holy Spirit. 
3. We have guaranteed inheritance – Spirit…who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:14  The Holy Spirit has guaranteed that we will receive our inheritance as God’s Children. He has so many good things for us, many blessings in life.  Complete freedom.
4. We are His – Spirit…who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:14  We belong to God.  He purchased our salvation with the shed blood of His son, Jesus. We are free in Him.  Free from the bondage of our sin and shame. We are covered by this shed blood – it protects us.
5. We have the power of Jesus – …and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…Ephesians 1:19-20 The very same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in us and is working in us. 
6. He has revealed His plan to us - …making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ Ephesians 1:9 
7. We have been blessed - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places… Ephesians 1:3  

 

We know these foundational doctrines of our salvation but quickly forget them in times of trouble. The world seems to have gone crazy most days and this mortal life is uncertain, but God’s words and promises are ALWAYS certain and true.  Spiritual warfare is real and we must stay alert that it exists and  is working against the kingdom of God. We are protected because we belong to the King of Kings. He has authority over all – including evil forces, who actually fear him and want to flee. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again he defeated Satan. The battle is won already so no matter what he tries to do or how much he antagonizes God’s people, Satan has already lost the battle!