November 19th, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin
by Dr. Josh Franklin
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." - Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)
A woman was teaching her child about money. Once he figured it out, the child asked her, "Mom, if you give me a hundred dollars, I'll be good." The mother replied, "Son, why can't you just be good for nothing... like your father?"
This funny exchange shows an important lesson about how we relate to God. We often believe we have to earn God's blessings or convince Him that we deserve His help. But Paul's opening words in Ephesians completely change this idea.
The verb tense in the original Greek is crucial here - we "have been blessed" with every spiritual blessing. This isn't future tense or conditional on our performance. It's past tense, already accomplished. Whether you feel it or don't feel it, whether you're experiencing it or not, if you've given your life to Jesus Christ, you have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing that exists.
We don't need to beg God as His children. We don't need to convince Him to bless us. All that Christ purchased for us on the cross is already ours. The riches of redemption aren't rewards we earn - they're gifts we've already received.
Think about it this way: when you became a child of God, He didn't put you on a payment plan. He didn't say, "I'll give you 10% of My blessings now, and as you prove yourself worthy, I'll release more." No! He opened the floodgates of heaven and poured out every spiritual blessing upon you the moment you trusted Christ.
The question isn't whether God will bless you - He already has. The question is whether you know it, understand it, believe it, and receive it by faith.
Reflection Question: What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you already possess every spiritual blessing God has to offer?
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've tried to earn what You've already freely given. Help me to understand the incredible wealth I possess as Your child. Open my eyes to see the spiritual blessings that are already mine in Christ. Teach me to live not as a beggar seeking Your favor, but as a beloved child who has already received Your abundant grace. In Jesus' Name, amen.
Adapted from "The Riches of Redemption" (Ephesians 1:7-12): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/z6qj3xh/4-the-riches-of-redemption-eph-1-7-12
A woman was teaching her child about money. Once he figured it out, the child asked her, "Mom, if you give me a hundred dollars, I'll be good." The mother replied, "Son, why can't you just be good for nothing... like your father?"
This funny exchange shows an important lesson about how we relate to God. We often believe we have to earn God's blessings or convince Him that we deserve His help. But Paul's opening words in Ephesians completely change this idea.
The verb tense in the original Greek is crucial here - we "have been blessed" with every spiritual blessing. This isn't future tense or conditional on our performance. It's past tense, already accomplished. Whether you feel it or don't feel it, whether you're experiencing it or not, if you've given your life to Jesus Christ, you have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing that exists.
We don't need to beg God as His children. We don't need to convince Him to bless us. All that Christ purchased for us on the cross is already ours. The riches of redemption aren't rewards we earn - they're gifts we've already received.
Think about it this way: when you became a child of God, He didn't put you on a payment plan. He didn't say, "I'll give you 10% of My blessings now, and as you prove yourself worthy, I'll release more." No! He opened the floodgates of heaven and poured out every spiritual blessing upon you the moment you trusted Christ.
The question isn't whether God will bless you - He already has. The question is whether you know it, understand it, believe it, and receive it by faith.
Reflection Question: What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you already possess every spiritual blessing God has to offer?
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've tried to earn what You've already freely given. Help me to understand the incredible wealth I possess as Your child. Open my eyes to see the spiritual blessings that are already mine in Christ. Teach me to live not as a beggar seeking Your favor, but as a beloved child who has already received Your abundant grace. In Jesus' Name, amen.
Adapted from "The Riches of Redemption" (Ephesians 1:7-12): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/z6qj3xh/4-the-riches-of-redemption-eph-1-7-12
Posted in Ephesians
Dr. Josh Franklin
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