Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Nearly every verse of the chapter contains a reason why Christians can be thankful, regardless of their temporal circumstances.

God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings (verse 3).

We were chosen by Him before the creation of the world (verse 
4).

God has adopted us as His sons and daughters (verse 5).

God has freely displayed His grace toward us (verse 6).

Jesus has redeemed us with His own blood, and has forgiven 
our sins (verse 7).

God has given us wisdom and understanding to comprehend 
the mystery of His will (verses 8-10).

God included not only Jews but also Gentiles in His plan of 
redemption (verse 13).

God has caused us to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit as the 
guarantee of the completion of our redemption (verses 13- 
14).

God's might and power guarantee that all these blessings 
cannot be taken away from us (verses 19-23).

We are members of Christ's own spiritual body (verses 22-23).

Knowledge and remembrance of the richness and magnitude of all these blessings (which are ours throughout eternity) should make it impossible for any of us to complain about any temporal difficulty in which we may find ourselves.

December 02 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What can we learn from Ephesians 1 about ourselves and God that may help counteract grumbling?

Ephesians 1 counteracts grumbling by anchoring our satisfaction in eternal, unchangeable spiritual blessings rather than temporary earthly circumstances. It reveals God as the sovereign initiator who chose, adopted, and redeemed us through Christ, guaranteeing a rich inheritance. Recognising our identity as beloved, blessed, and chosen children of God shifts our focus from what we lack to the immense grace we have received. 

Truths from Ephesians 1 to Counteract Grumbling:
We Are Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings: Verse 3 states we are already blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places". This means our truest needs are already met, making temporal shortages less significant. 

We Were Chosen Before Time: God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless (v. 4). Knowing we are loved by the Sovereign God personally, eternally, and intentionally removes the insecurity that often leads to complaining. 

We Are Adopted Children of God: God predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ (v. 5), ensuring we have a secure identity and family in Him. 

We Are Redeemed and Forgiven: Through Christ's blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins (v. 7). Focusing on being forgiven of our greatest debt helps us see that trivial daily annoyances lose their power. 

We Have an Assured Inheritance: We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our future inheritance (v. 13-14). No matter how bad things get, our future is secure, secure enough to prompt praise rather than griping. 

God's Absolute Sovereignty: God works all things according to the counsel of His will (v. 11), providing peace that He is in control of the situations we feel tempted to complain about. 

Practical Application:

Instead of viewing difficult situations through the lens of convenience, read Ephesians 1 to remind yourself that your spiritual bank account is full, which can shift a complaining heart to a thankful one.

Redirects Your Vision: It takes your eyes off "temporal circumstances" and fixes them on "the big picture"—eternal blessings that the world cannot take away.

Conclusion

The epistle to the Ephesians touches almost every aspect of the Christian's life. In view of the present-day upsurge in distressing problems and delinquency worldwide, Paul's sound, practical advice is of real benefit to those who desire to live godly lives.

Paul is thinking of the problems faced by the Ephesian congregation, surrounded by pagan worshipers and in the shadow of the awe-inspiring temple of Artemis.

Paul emphasises the union of Jew and Gentile in Christ. He exhorts to oneness, to unity.

By reading and meditating on the letter to the Ephesians, all will be able to gain a real appreciation for the kind of personality that is pleasing to God, namely, "created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."

What about our speech habits? Obscenities, angry words, lying​ and grumbling —this world's "air" is thoroughly polluted with such foul speech. Yet, even the speech of a few associated with the Christian congregation at times reflects coarseness, even vulgarity. 

Note Paul's words to the Ephesians 4:29 - 31 ESV: "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying, as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear. 30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

As Christians, our speech should be holy, pleasant, upbuilding, and kind. It should distinguish us from other people.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report