Have you ever received something in a package you didn’t expect? Occasionally a vendor will include a gift with my purchase, maybe a sticker, coupon, or a product sample. Most of the time these free gifts aren’t something I want or need, so they land in the trash.

In the opening of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul details a list of good gifts that come along with the salvation Christ won for us. The best gift we receive when we believe the gospel is a relationship with the God of the universe. That would be enough. But because God is so gracious, so generous, he bestows a wealth of incredibly valuable extras.

We are not just saved, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (v. 3). We are not just saved, we have been made holy and blameless (v. 4). We are not just saved, we have been adopted into a new family (v. 5). God has not left us in the dark, He has shown us what His plan is for this world (v. 10). All this, and so much more, comes to those who trust in Christ!

Christians should be aware of their inheritance in Christ because the world offers its own alternate list of “bonus gifts.” From the world, we are offered a sense of belonging, endless enjoyment, and a self-focused way of life. But none of these comes from God who lavished His love on us by sacrificing His Son for our sins. When we fully appreciate the blessings given to us by God, the gifts of the world begin to look like those stickers you didn’t ask for, thrown into the bottom of a box and sent by someone you don’t know.

Have you ever received something in a package you didn&rsquo;t expect? Occasionally a vendor will include a gift with my purchase, maybe a sticker, coupon, or a product sample. Most of the time these free gifts aren&rsquo;t something I want or need, so they land in the trash.
In the opening of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul details a list of good gifts that come along with the salvation Christ won for us. The best gift we receive when we believe the gospel is a relationship with the God of the universe. That would be enough. But because God is so gracious, so generous, he bestows a wealth of incredibly valuable extras.
We are not just saved, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (v. 3). We are not just saved, we have been made holy and blameless (v. 4). We are not just saved, we have been adopted into a new family (v. 5). God has not left us in the dark, He has shown us what His plan is for this world (v. 10). All this, and so much more, comes to those who trust in Christ!
Christians should be aware of their inheritance in Christ because the world offers its own alternate list of &ldquo;bonus gifts.&rdquo; From the world, we are offered a sense of belonging, endless enjoyment, and a self-focused way of life. But none of these comes from God who lavished His love on us by sacrificing His Son for our sins. When we fully appreciate the blessings given to us by God, the gifts of the world begin to look like those stickers you didn&rsquo;t ask for, thrown into the bottom of a box and sent by someone you don&rsquo;t know.

Today in the Word is a daily audio devotional available via podcast. Today in the Word features solid biblical content and study that models the mission and values of Moody Bible Institute.

Today in the Word Devotional

Ephesians: God’s Gracious Gifts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/e1a9c00f-7233-4edd-8b29-b3d800f73a7f/transcript