2026 Theme — "Blessings! Ensured • Executed • Experienced • Expressed". Join me as I study God's Word to learn more about Blessings!
The study starts in Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:1 AMP
Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice],
Who is Paul, the writer of Ephesians?
Acts 9 gives us Paul’s background.
Looking at Acts 9:15, 16 (nkjv) we read: But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he (Saul/Paul) is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Chosen - that word conveys both “out from and to” - meaning that Paul was not just picked and that was the end of it. Rather he was picked for a specific purpose. God’s plan is for sinners to leave sin and then follow God.
Vessel - instrument to carry out a purpose.
of Mine - personal relationship.
We also need to note that in accomplishing God’s will, that Paul will endure suffering, but again that has a purpose — for God’s “name (character; a name is inseparable from the person to whom it belongs) sake”.
What can we learn from the simple word, “Paul”?
First and foremost, that God knows all about us from the very beginning (Psalm 139, especially verse 13). God knew of all Paul’s sin. Paul (Saul) had killed people! But God, had a greater plan for Paul. He took Paul, a sinful man, and changed his heart to carry out God’s specific plan.
Too often we, use our past to disqualify us for what God wants us to do. But if we trust God and give Him our lives, our past is forgiven and we can be used of God to do great things.
We also learn from “Paul” that God has a plan for us. We might not always understand the journey or what things happen as they do, but God wants to use to bring glory and honor to Him.
Paul. Chosen by God to carry (transport) His name to people throughout the world.
The first Blessing: we are chosen by God!
Blessing Ensured - the promise of this blessing was mentioned in Isaiah 9:6! Then in Luke 2 with Christ’s birth the promise was continues. John 3:16 declares this promise to each of us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (nkjv)
The Blessing Ensured
is that God has chosen us!
That is the ultimate blessing!
