Week 2 Family Devotional – Blessed, Chosen, and Loved Before Time Began
Ephesians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love….”
This is the one of the richest, most hope-filled passages for families because it reminds us that God’s love for us didn’t begin when we were born…it began before the world was created. Paul begins this passage with worship, then walks us through the blessings God gives and the love that anchors them. As we look closely at each phrase, we discover a story of intentional love, lasting blessing, and a purpose rooted in God’s heart.
Paul Begins with Worship
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Before Paul explains anything, he lifts his eyes to God. This mirrors 1 Peter 1:3, which begins the same way, and echoes Psalm 72:19, “Blessed be His glorious name forever.” It also connects to Romans 15:6, which says God’s people glorify “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.” Paul starts with worship because everything that follows is meant to stir gratitude and unite our hearts as one family praising the same faithful God.
Who God the Father Is
God the Father is the source of everything — the One who begins, plans, and initiates His relationship with us.
In Ephesians 1, God the Father is the One who says: “I want you. I choose you. I bless you.”
Who the Lord Jesus Christ Is
Jesus is the means through whom every blessing reaches us.
Jesus is the One who says: “Everything the Father planned for you, I make possible.”
“…who has blessed us in the heavenly realms (the spiritual world where God rules. This is the place where His blessings never fade) …”
To be blessed means receiving God’s goodness, kindness, and help
Paul reminds us that God gives blessings that are spiritual and eternal.
This connects to Ephesians 2:6, where God seats us with Christ “in the heavenly places,” and Ephesians 3:10, which shows God’s wisdom displayed in those same heavenly places.
Earthly blessings can fade, break, or change. But God’s blessings like forgiveness, hope, identity, purpose…never run out.
“…with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
spiritual blessings are the gifts God gives through Jesus that change our hearts, guide our lives, and anchor our hope.
Every blessing God gives comes through Jesus.
Because of Him, we have everything we need for life and faith:
Nothing important is missing.
“…For He chose us in Him…”
God’s love is intentional.
Jesus says in John 10:29 that no one can snatch God’s children from the Father’s hand. Paul adds in Galatians 3:9 that those who have faith are “blessed along with Abraham.”
God didn’t choose you reluctantly or accidentally. He chose you (this means being wanted, valued, and loved) in Christ, meaning Jesus is the reason we belong to God… not our performance or the good things we do.
“…before the creation of the world…”
Before stars existed, before oceans rolled, before your family tree began.
God already knew you. Already loved you. Already planned to make you His.
This reflects the eternal plan described in Revelation 5:9–10, where Jesus redeems people from every nation - a plan set long before creation.
Your story didn’t start at birth…it started in God’s heart.
“…to be holy and blameless in His sight.”
Holy means set apart to belong to God (1 Peter 1:15–16, “be holy as I am holy”). Blameless means forgiven and made clean through Jesus (Colossians 1:22, “holy and blameless before Him”).
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about being transformed by God’s love.
Even in spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:12), God calls us to walk in holiness and confidence.
“…in love.”
Paul ends with the motive behind everything.
God’s choosing, blessing, and calling all flow from one place: Love…warm, personal, intentional love.
This reflects Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Family Truth to Hold Onto
God has blessed us with everything we need in Jesus, and He loved us so deeply that He chose us before the world began. Because we belong to Him, we can live in His love every day. Paul reminds us that we are blessed in Christ, chosen by God, and loved before time began. This identity shapes how we treat one another, how we face challenges, and how we live out our faith as a family.
Family Discussion Questions
Family Prayer
Lord, thank You for blessing us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Thank You for choosing us before the foundation of the world and for loving us long before we ever knew You. Help our family live holy and blameless lives shaped by Your love. Teach us to walk worthy of Your calling, to show grace to one another, and to remember that our identity is rooted in Your eternal love. Guard our hearts and guide our steps as we follow You. Amen.
Family Challenge for This Week
Choose one (or all) simple ways your family can “walk worthy” of God’s love: