Ephesians 1:1-14

HOW DO WE STAY ROOTED IN CHRIST? FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK AND ANSWER

1. Do we know who we are because of Christ? 

• Our spiritual root system is every spiritual blessing that comes from the Father

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms…” Vs. 3a

• We receive every spiritual blessing through our union with Jesus

“…because we are united with Christ.” Vs.3b

• Through Christ we are 
  • Chosen
  • Holy and without fault
  • Adopted
  • Accepted
  • Given wisdom
  • Sealed by the Holy Spirit
  • Given an eternal inheritance

2. Are we living like people who are united to Christ? 

“And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.” Vs. 13 

• Roots determine fruit

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 NLT 

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

3. Are we living like people who know our future?

“The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.” Vs.14a

4. Are we giving Him our best praise and worship in all circumstances?

“He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” Vs. 14b