INTRODUCTION: Ephesians is a letter from God sent by special messenger to the saints, the believers in Christ Jesus.

Picture with me the saints at the church at Ephesus as they come in to hear the letter. They didn’t consult a stack of theology books or review the latest discussions and trends in ethics and morality to prepare for the reading. 

They merely came to hear what God had to say.

It is mostly a simple letter written by a special messenger of Jesus Christ with a greeting from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The messenger calls them saints, holy ones, the believers in Jesus who have been set apart for the work of God.

They hear God welcome them to his presence as he extends his grace and mercy.

They have never heard the terms Calvinism and Arminianism. Neither have they ever been part of a conversation involving dispensationalism nor reformed theology.

What do they hear you ask? The special messenger tells them of the spiritual blessings that God has provided for them, that they were chosen before the foundation of the world and that their destiny will be fulfilled as sons and daughters of the Most High God.

Then as they listen to the words of the letter, God takes over and the Holy Spirit of God speaks to their hearts and teaches them.

Just as we can today read and hear the words of this same letter delivered by the special messenger, Paul the Apostle.

Just as we can today be instructed as to our identity and blessing in Christ.

Just as we can today be called to live worthy of our spiritual inheritance in Jesus Christ.

Would you please turn with me to Ephesians 1:1?

Lessons from the letter of God …

Lesson One: The letter is to the saints, 1:1.

• We are what God calls us, and God calls us saints.

Lesson Two: God welcomes us to his grace and peace, 1:2.

• God greets us with grace and peace.

Lesson Three: When the light bulb comes on, we bless God, 1:3.

• God doesn’t do things like we do things.

Lesson Four: God is talking to his saints, 1:4-6.

• When God is speaking to his saints, don’t confuse and distract by broadening the audience.
• God tells his saints that they have been chosen before the foundation of the world.
• God tells his saints that they have been predestined to be sons and daughters of God.

CONCLUSION: 

• What identity are you living by?
• Would you give God the opportunity to show you who you are?
• Look at our text today.
• Do you see yourself described?