Preparing for the Benefits of God

Aim: To be prepared to receive the benefits of God.

Doctrine: The benefits of God are brought to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, and are everything we need in this world.

Exposition: The necessary preparations, then and now: listen to Jesus, our only instructor, through His called and faithful ministers (v. 1a); be holy by the grace of faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ (vv. 1b-2); express thankfulness to God for preparing everything for us on earth and in heaven (v. 3).

Application: Extra preparation for everyday life: behold God in His living image, beware of setting our minds on this world, and bless God for Christ's blood and your belief in the gospel.

Key phrase: v. 1b ''To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.''