The first main section of Paul's letter to the Ephesians (1:3-14) is one long sentence in the original.

Ten times Paul says "in Christ" or similar. All that we have to enjoy as Christians is in Christ.

There are three things for us to learn this morning to help us in our lives this coming week and beyond.

1. God's Adequate Provision. Paul tells us how God has dealt with our sin and rebellion. He has forgiven us, and he has redeemed us (bought us back). The price he paid for us cannot be calculated in human terms (1 Peter 1:18-19), but it is more than adequate. When you find the going tough, remember that God's purchase of you is a past transaction not a future hope.

3. God's Absolute Control. God has acted "with all wisdom and understanding". He always knows exactly what he's doing, and why. We don't possess all wisdom, nor do we understand everything. And we certainly don't understand ourselves. But God understands himself perfectly and completely, and everything he does is perfect and right - so I can trust him absolutely!

2. God's Amazing Grace. Grace: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God gives everything to people who deserve nothing. But just how amazing is God's grace? It's amazing ...
... in its Origin: It comes from God, who has no obligation towards us whatsoever.
... in its Object: He loves us and has shown his grace to us!
... in its Extravagance: He has poured a "Niagara" of grace on us. He has lavished his riches on us. There is no sense of limit or reserve in God's generosity.
... in its Scope: We know we are saved by grace, we know we will get to heaven by grace, but why do we live as though everything in between depended on our performance? God doesn't expect us to do our best with him just making up the difference between our best and what he requires. Every blessing you have ever received, or will ever receive, is because of his grace. As far as your status before God is concerned, he simply doesn't operate on the basis of rewarding you for anything' So when you fail him and disobey him, you don't have to pay penance because you can repent of your disobedience and return to God on the basis of his grace alone.
... in its Requirement: So, if it is all of grace and the way we live doesn't affect our standing in God's sight, why can't we just do what we want? Because Romans 6:1-2 tells us otherwise. We are required to obey- God not~ in order to belong to him but because we belong to him. And God doesn't simply express a preference for our obedience: it is his command. Although disobeying God won't change our status, it will affect our reward (1 Cor 3:10b-14).
... in its Result: Heaven is assured (Ephesians 1:13-14) because of God's grace in guaranteeing it to you by his Spirit within you.

So, what are you going to do about all this? Simply agree with it? Or are you going to live by it? God hasn't given you his Word in order to improve your knowledge but to guide your conduct.

It's all "in him" (v7). If you don't have Christ you have nothing. But if you do have Christ, you have everything - by grace alone.