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General commentary on the passage
Struggle with identity is quite common in this world, full of hardships. For instance, many identity struggles / crises are closely associated with the belief that having more money / popularity / power / control in one’s name, results in better acceptance in this world. This kind of identity struggle / crises has resulted in mad pursuits of riches / power / status in this world.
At some point, some also realize that these worldly things (i.e., riches, social status, power) do not take us far and in-fact disappoint us in long run. Remember, Jesus had already warned us about the “trophies and riches” of this world, as if there is curse attached to them - Matthew 6:19:- (Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.)
So, is there a “right”, unfailing identity that one should pursue?
Ephesians 1:1-14 talks about an existing identity - “CHILD OF GOD” which is indestructible (John 10:28) and comes with ultra-rich privileges. This identity is given to saved Christians.
This identity, along with it’s accompanying privileges, is infinitely more useful and reliable than any of the heavily sought after identities in this world (such as “millionaire”, “billionaire”, “president of America”, “Hollywood superstar”, etc). This is also because God is in control of all things in the universe and at the same time God is the most loving and generous person in the universe. Also, one can lose riches / social status / power at any time, but the title of “Child Of God” on a Christian is eternally indestructible (John 10:28)
An important follow-up question is how should a child of God respond or live his / her life?
- I believe, Jesus replied to this in Matthew 6:33 :- "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness"
- Also, knowing that the future is eternally secure in the hands of Jesus, the child of God can now freely live for Jesus and take great risks for God's Kingdom while on earth
And what happens if a child of God is NOT "seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness". I believe then the child of God would be putting obstructions in his/her relationship with God.
Verse by verse commentary
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Remember Paul is in prison, being persecuted - and he is talking of grace and peace! How do you do that?
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ.
Do take special note of the word "EVERY". The first things that should come to your mind is, how much do you take it for granted?
Some spiritual blessings:-
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
God made plans to save us and prosper us before the creation of the world! So, do not worry, do not fear - but always rejoice!
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are instantly justified in God's eyes (Romans 5:9). During the remaining time on earth, a saved Christian will fall to sin but his/her sanctification continues (2 Corinthians 3:18). Finally when Christians receive their glorious bodies, they will be incapable of sinning! Hallelujah!
In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
See the "general" commentary on "idenity" in the beginning of this document.
9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Till Jesus returns, we are given the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) who now lives in us (His Church on earth). Holy Spirit is God - The third person in Trinity. So, we already have God in us (Church). If God is so intimately residing in/with us, His Church, what else assurances do we need?
Questions for Bible Study Discussions:-