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In Christ: For the Praise of His Glorious Grace

Ephesians 1:1-6 Speaker: Nate Muse

Additional Texts:  Ephesians 1:1-6, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Matthew 27:45-46

John 15:16; 20:17, Acts 4:27-27; 9:1-31, Romans 8:29

1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Revelation 13:8

Takeaways

What?

As Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians, he is overflowing. In these first verses, he is not in “teacher” mode. Instead, he provides an emotional current that invites the reader to begin experiencing God’s glorious grace as he has been. That is what he is aiming for.

HOW?

Paul is essentially writing a thank you note, blessing the Blesser – God Himself, who is both the Father of Jesus and God of Jesus (who willingly took on humanity and lived subject to Him.)

In the life of a believer, blessings come from the Father, are made available through the work of Christ, and are personally experienced through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, the implication of any verb meaning “to choose” must point to some purpose for the person who does the choosing and is not dependent upon the idea of worthiness in the individual chosen.

Minimally: If you have faith in Christ, you are on purpose.

Minimally: If you have faith in Christ, you are a planned part of his family.

Understanding grace brings us to the realization that we have no part to play in it, and that makes no sense to us.

WHY? 

For the Praise of His Glory: The revelation of God’s good grace that He gives an undeserving people in Christ will result in the praise of Him.

No human can boast that they have anything to do with God’s gracious blessings.

Understanding grace leads us to realize that we had nothing to do with it, which results in praising Him.

Reflection Prompters / Suggested Homework

Read through the book of Ephesians this week and mark it on your bookmark.* We are encouraging you to read through the book 10 times during the 13-week series.  You may also wish to review the additional texts used this week.

How does understanding that you are “chosen” and “predestined” help shape your view of God’s purpose for your life?

Reflect on how this concept influences your identity and relationship with God.

What does it mean to you to be “holy and blameless” in Christ, and how can this understanding impact how you live each day?

Consider how this truth affects your daily choices and actions.

How can we live so that our lives reflect the “praise of His glorious grace”?

Think about practical ways to acknowledge and honor God’s grace in your life.

What does the idea that “we had nothing to do with it” reveal about the nature of grace, and how does this challenge or encourage your perspective on your faith journey?

Reflect on the humility and gratitude that come from recognizing the undeserved nature of God’s blessings.

Quietly think about when you came to Christ personally. Ask yourself these questions:

How did God save you?

What had to happen to lead to that moment?

Who orchestrated it?

Who purposed and planned it?

When was it planned out?

Why did God, in His good pleasure, have this take place?

*Bookmarks are available at the church and can be mailed by request to beth@wearefree.cc