Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him. In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory. —Ephesians 1:1-14
In Christ, God brings everything together for you.
“In the New Testament, when someone becomes a believer, It was said that they were “in Christ” or “with Christ”…we are participating with Jesus. —Barry Rager
God brings us into his
Ephesians 1:4-6, Genesis 12:2-3
“Before time began, when God was glad simply in his god-ness, there was no universe, nothing but him existed…God in his heart was anticipating and excited about the day in which he would not only save you, but sanctify you.” —Matt Chandler
Jesus’ work
Ephesians 1:7-10, Titus 3:3
“Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” —John 8:34
The Holy Spirit makes
Ephesians 1:11-14
“God’s graciousness to his people is…integral to his character” —Frank Thielman
“to the praise of his glorious grace” —Ephesians 1:6
For Further Study:
Scripture: Genesis 12, Romans 3:21-26
Resources: “Forgiveness” Matt Chandler
(https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/sermons/forgiveness/)
Discussion Guide:
Does the idea that God can give you everything described in Ephesians 1 seem unbelievable to you? Why?
Are there ways that you are still defining yourself by your past? How does God’s grace change that?
How has the redemption of Jesus changed you?
How does the fact that our inheritance is sealed by the Holy Spirit comfort or encourage you?
In what ways can you praise the grace of God this week?
To prepare for next week:
Ephesians 1:15-23