Sermons on Ephesians 1:10

Ephesians 1:10 Interpretation:

Embracing God's Sovereignty and Grace in Our Lives (Crazy Love) offers a unique grammatical and existential interpretation of Ephesians 1:10 by focusing on the subject-object relationship in the passage. The preacher emphasizes that God is always the subject—He is the one acting, planning, and uniting all things—while humanity is the object, the recipient of God's lavish grace. This is illustrated through a detailed analogy of being lavished with unearned gifts, highlighting the passivity of the believer in the face of God's sovereign plan. The sermon also explores the Greek term for "unite" (anakephalai?sasthai), suggesting a cosmic summing up or recapitulation of all things under Christ, and connects this to the idea that God's plan is not about human initiative but about God's eternal purpose, which includes the uniting of heaven and earth in Christ.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) provides a distinctive interpretation by exploring the cosmic and angelic dimensions of Ephesians 1:10. The preacher suggests that the uniting of all things in Christ includes not only humanity but also the angelic hosts, proposing that Christ becomes the new head of the angels after the fall of Satan. This interpretation extends the scope of Ephesians 1:10 beyond human salvation to a universal reconciliation, including the restoration of cosmic order and the headship of Christ over all creation, both visible and invisible.

The Eternal Truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom (MLJTrust) and "The Cosmic Gospel: Establishing God's Kingdom on Earth" (MLJTrust) both interpret Ephesians 1:10 as a declaration of the vast, universal scope of the gospel. They stress that the verse is not primarily about individual salvation or subjective experience but about God's purpose to restore and gather together the entire cosmos—things in heaven and on earth—under Christ's rule. Both sermons use the metaphor of the world as a kingdom that has fallen into the wrong hands (the devil) and is being reclaimed and restored by Christ, who is the stronger man overcoming the strong man armed (Satan). The restoration is not merely personal but cosmic, involving the renewal of all creation and the ultimate submission of all things to God's reign.

Living Out the Gospel: Unity and Transformation in Christ (BibleProject) interprets Ephesians 1:10 as the culmination of God's plan to create a unified, multi-ethnic family in Christ, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles and forming a new humanity. The sermon highlights the Trinitarian cooperation in this unification and frames Ephesians 1:10 as the theological foundation for the unity and diversity of the church, which is to be lived out in practical, relational ways.

God's Cosmic Plan: Unity in Christ (MLJTrust) offers a notably detailed and unique interpretation of Ephesians 1:10, focusing on the Greek compound word used for "gather together in one" (anakephalai?sasthai), emphasizing that it means "to reunite" or "to sum up again," not merely to unite for the first time. The preacher highlights that most English translations omit the "again" aspect, which is crucial for understanding Paul's intent. This linguistic detail leads to the insight that God's plan is not simply to create unity, but to restore a previous cosmic harmony that was lost through the fall of angels and humanity. The sermon uses the metaphor of "heading up" all things in Christ, likening Christ to the head of a team or organization, but stresses that the original state was one of perfect harmony under Christ, which was disrupted and is now being restored. The preacher also rejects several common interpretations (universalism, Jew/Gentile dichotomy, or only the redeemed) and insists that the passage refers to a cosmic restoration involving angels, humanity, and even creation itself.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) interprets Ephesians 1:10 as teaching that the atonement of Christ has cosmic consequences, not only reconciling humanity to God but also affecting the angelic realm and the entire universe. The sermon presents the idea, drawn from church history, that Christ became the new head of the angels after Satan's fall, thus restoring order in the heavenly realm. The preacher also emphasizes the "cosmic results" of Christ's work, arguing that the whole universe, which was affected by sin, is ultimately reconciled to God through Christ, culminating in a new heavens and new earth. This interpretation is distinguished by its focus on the mediatorial kingship of Christ, who rules all things in heaven and earth for the glory of God and the execution of God's salvific purposes.

Engaging Faith: Christians and Their Role in Government (MLJTrust) references Ephesians 1:10 to support the idea that God's redemptive plan is cosmic in scope, restoring not just individuals but the entire universe to a state of perfection. The sermon does not offer a novel linguistic or metaphorical interpretation but applies the verse to argue that Christians should not withdraw from the world, since Christ is Lord of the universe and God's plan encompasses all of creation, not just personal salvation.

Assurance of Salvation: The Perseverance of the Saints (MLJTrust) uses Ephesians 1:10 to argue that the ultimate purpose of salvation is the vindication of God's glory through the restoration of the entire cosmos to its original perfection. The preacher frames the verse as the key to understanding that God's plan cannot fail, and that the restoration of all things in Christ is guaranteed by God's sovereign purpose, not by human willpower. The sermon uniquely connects the doctrine of perseverance to the cosmic scope of Ephesians 1:10, emphasizing that the security of believers is rooted in God's unbreakable plan to reunite all things in Christ.

Becoming Part of God's Grand Narrative (David Guzik) interprets Ephesians 1:10 as the climactic revelation of God's overarching plan for all of history, centering on Jesus Christ as the answer and resolution to every problem and question in the universe. Guzik uniquely unpacks the Greek word for "gather together" (anakephalai?sasthai), explaining its mathematical connotation in the ancient world—like summing up a column of numbers, with Christ as the final answer at the bottom of the equation. He uses the vivid analogy of a scientist writing a complex equation on a chalkboard, pausing midway to write the answer—Jesus—at the bottom, before continuing the equation, emphasizing that Christ is the summation and resolution of all things. This metaphor is distinctive in its clarity and depth, illustrating the passage as the unifying point of all creation and history.

Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2 (David Guzik) builds on the same mathematical analogy as the previous sermon, but adds a new dimension by applying the summing-up concept to the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile in the church. Guzik interprets Ephesians 1:10 as God's ultimate plan to reconcile all things in Christ, and sees the church's unity as a present, partial fulfillment—a preview—of that final summing up. He emphasizes the Greek term for "sum up" and connects it to the practical outworking of unity in the body of Christ, making the analogy more concrete by showing how the church itself is a microcosm of God's cosmic plan.

Christ: The Center of God's Divine Plan (Desiring God) offers a detailed linguistic and conceptual analysis of Ephesians 1:10, focusing on the Greek word for "sum up" (anakephalai?sasthai) and its only other Pauline usage in Romans 13:9. The sermon draws a parallel between the way love "sums up" the commandments and the way Christ "sums up" all things, suggesting that just as love is the fullness and sum of the law, Christ is the fullness and sum of all history and creation. This analogy is unique in its cross-textual, linguistic approach, highlighting the mathematical and teleological sense of the Greek term and arguing that Christ is both the sum and the fullness—the ultimate meaning—of every period of time and every event in redemptive history.

The Theological Art of Effective Preaching (MLJTrust) interprets Ephesians 1:10 as the ultimate goal and scope of the gospel, emphasizing that the passage reveals the cosmic dimension of God’s plan: “to head up again in Christ all things both which are in heaven and which are in earth, all things in him.” The sermon uniquely stresses that preaching must not only address personal salvation or individual peace but must also present the “whole plan of salvation as it is revealed in the scriptures,” with Ephesians 1:10 serving as the scriptural anchor for this all-encompassing vision. The preacher draws a distinction between preaching the gospel and merely talking about it, arguing that the preacher’s task is to convey the gospel’s totality—including its cosmic, unifying purpose under Christ—rather than reducing it to a set of personal benefits. This interpretation is notable for its insistence that every sermon, regardless of its immediate focus, should be situated within this grand theological narrative, and that Ephesians 1:10 is the key text articulating the unity and scope of God’s redemptive work.

Ephesians 1:10 Theological Themes:

Embracing God's Sovereignty and Grace in Our Lives (Crazy Love) introduces the theme of divine initiative and human passivity, emphasizing that salvation and the uniting of all things are entirely God's work, not ours. The sermon challenges the modern tendency to center human agency and instead calls believers to rest in being the object of God's grace, which is lavishly and unconditionally poured out. It also addresses the tension between God's sovereign plan and human desire for control, urging trust in God's eternal purposes.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) develops the theme of Christ's mediatorial kingship, arguing that Ephesians 1:10 points to Christ's unique role as the head of all creation, including the angelic realm. The sermon explores the idea that Christ's atonement not only reconciles humanity but also restores cosmic harmony, culminating in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. This cosmic reconciliation is presented as a direct result of Christ's obedience and exaltation.

The Eternal Truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom (MLJTrust) and "The Cosmic Gospel: Establishing God's Kingdom on Earth" (MLJTrust) both articulate the theme of the gospel's universality and cosmic scope. They argue that Ephesians 1:10 reveals the ultimate purpose of the gospel: not merely to save individuals but to restore God's rule over the entire universe, defeating the dominion of Satan and liberating creation from corruption. The sermons stress that the kingdom of God is not established by political or outward means but by the secret, transformative work of the Spirit in human hearts, leading to a final, visible consummation at Christ's return.

Living Out the Gospel: Unity and Transformation in Christ (BibleProject) adds the theme of the church as a new, unified humanity, empowered by the Spirit to live out the reality of Ephesians 1:10. The sermon uniquely applies the cosmic unity under Christ to the practical unity and diversity within the church, using metaphors of a new temple and a new humanity to illustrate how believers are to embody God's reconciling purpose.

God's Cosmic Plan: Unity in Christ (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of cosmic restoration, arguing that Ephesians 1:10 reveals God's ultimate purpose is to restore the original harmony of creation, including angels, humanity, and the natural world, under the headship of Christ. The preacher insists that this restoration is not universal salvation but a reestablishment of order and worship among the redeemed, the good angels, and creation itself, with the fallen angels and the unredeemed excluded. The sermon also highlights the participatory worship of angels and redeemed humanity, drawing on Revelation and Hebrews to show the unity of the heavenly and earthly realms in Christ.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) adds the theme of Christ's mediatorial kingship, asserting that Christ's atonement not only reconciles individuals but also establishes his rule over all creation, including the angelic hosts. The preacher explores the idea that Christ's exaltation and the formation of the church are direct results of his atoning work, and that every spiritual gift and blessing flows from this cosmic reconciliation. This sermon also uniquely discusses the impact of the atonement on the angelic order, suggesting that Christ became the new head of the angels, thus restoring heavenly order.

Engaging Faith: Christians and Their Role in Government (MLJTrust) brings a practical theological application, arguing that because Ephesians 1:10 teaches the restoration of the cosmos, Christians are called to engage with the world, including government and societal structures, rather than retreating into private spirituality. The sermon emphasizes that Christ's lordship extends to all aspects of life and history, and that the Christian's involvement in the world is part of God's cosmic plan.

Assurance of Salvation: The Perseverance of the Saints (MLJTrust) presents the theme that the security of believers is inseparable from God's cosmic purpose in Ephesians 1:10. The preacher argues that the perseverance of the saints is guaranteed because it is part of God's unchangeable plan to restore all things in Christ, and that the glory of God, not human effort, is the ultimate goal and guarantee of salvation.

Becoming Part of God's Grand Narrative (David Guzik) introduces the theme that every individual, regardless of their perceived significance, has a role—however small—in God's grand, Christ-centered narrative. The sermon challenges the listener to abandon self-centered living and instead embrace even the smallest part in God's cosmic story, emphasizing the humility and privilege of being included in Christ's summing up of all things.

Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2 (David Guzik) adds a new facet by presenting the unity of Jew and Gentile in the church as a "preview" or "down payment" of the ultimate reconciliation of all things in Christ. This theme is distinct in that it frames the church's present unity not just as a social or spiritual reality, but as a tangible, anticipatory sign of God's final cosmic plan, thus giving ecclesiology a direct eschatological significance.

Christ: The Center of God's Divine Plan (Desiring God) develops the theme that Christ is not only the goal but the very meaning and fullness of all history, time, and creation. The sermon uniquely ties the fullness of time and the summing up of all things to the person of Christ, arguing that every epoch and event finds its purpose and completion in him. The parallel with love as the sum of the law adds a fresh theological angle, suggesting that Christ is to history what love is to the law: its fulfillment, essence, and ultimate point.

The Theological Art of Effective Preaching (MLJTrust) introduces the distinct theological theme that the gospel is not merely about individual salvation or subjective experience but is fundamentally cosmic in scope, aiming at the unification of all things in heaven and on earth under Christ as stated in Ephesians 1:10. The sermon insists that this “all-inclusive element” must be central to Christian preaching, challenging the tendency to focus solely on personal or practical aspects of faith. The preacher argues that the “whole universe is involved” in God’s redemptive plan, and that Christians must be given a conception of the “scope and the ambit and the greatness of the gospel” as a unifying force for all creation. This theme is presented as a corrective to reductionist or overly individualistic presentations of the gospel, urging preachers to always convey the impression that every part of Christian teaching is a part of this greater whole.

Ephesians 1:10 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Our Identity and Inheritance in Christ (Brewster Baptist Church) provides detailed historical context about the city of Ephesus, describing it as a major center of pagan worship, particularly of Artemis, and recounting Paul's extended ministry there, including the riot instigated by silversmiths threatened by the spread of Christianity. The sermon explains that Ephesians was likely an encyclical letter intended for multiple churches in the region and highlights the significance of adoption in the first-century Greco-Roman world, where being adopted into a family was a profound privilege and honor.

Living Out the Gospel: Unity and Transformation in Christ (BibleProject) offers historical context by referencing the division between Jews and Gentiles in the ancient world and the role of the Sinai covenant as a boundary marker. The sermon explains how the fulfillment of the Torah in Christ removed these barriers, allowing for the creation of a new, unified humanity that transcends ethnic and cultural divisions.

God's Cosmic Plan: Unity in Christ (MLJTrust) provides significant historical and contextual insight by discussing the original Greek term used in Ephesians 1:10, explaining its compound nature and the importance of the prefix "ana" (again), which points to a restoration of a previous state of unity. The preacher also situates the passage within the broader context of Jewish and early Christian cosmology, where the fall of angels and humanity disrupted an original cosmic harmony. The sermon references the ancient understanding of principalities and powers as angelic beings and explains how Paul's audience would have understood the scope of "all things in heaven and on earth" as encompassing both the spiritual and material realms.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) offers historical context by referencing the longstanding church tradition that after Satan's fall, the good angels were left without a head, and that Christ, through his atonement and exaltation, assumed this role. The preacher notes that this interpretation has been suggested many times throughout church history and is generally accepted by commentators as a plausible reading of Ephesians 1:10 and Colossians 1:20. The sermon also discusses the concept of mediatorial kingship, tracing its roots to the eternal counsel of the Trinity before creation and its manifestation throughout redemptive history, including the Old Testament theophanies and the formal enthronement of Christ at the Ascension.

Becoming Part of God's Grand Narrative (David Guzik) provides historical context by explaining the literary structure of the Bible, the division between Old and New Testaments, and the cultural significance of the Greek and Hebrew languages in which the scriptures were written. He also references the ancient Greek understanding of "mystery" (mysterion), clarifying that in the biblical context, a mystery is not something unknowable, but something previously hidden and now revealed by God. This shapes the understanding of Ephesians 1:10 as the unveiling of God's long-concealed plan to unite all things in Christ.

Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2 (David Guzik) offers detailed historical insight into the first-century division between Jews and Gentiles, including the physical "wall of separation" in the Jerusalem temple that symbolized their estrangement. Guzik notes that Paul was under house arrest for allegedly bringing a Gentile past this wall, making the metaphor of breaking down the dividing wall in Christ both literal and symbolic. He also references the early Christian self-understanding as a "third race," neither Jew nor Gentile, but a new humanity in Christ, situating the passage within its original social and religious context.

Christ: The Center of God's Divine Plan (Desiring God) provides a brief but significant contextual insight by noting that the Greek word for "sum up" (anakephalai?sasthai) is rare in Paul and carries a mathematical sense, which is crucial for understanding the passage's intent. The sermon also situates Ephesians 1:10 within the broader Pauline theology of Christ as the telos (goal) and pl?r?ma (fullness) of all things.

Ephesians 1:10 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing God's Sovereignty and Grace in Our Lives (Crazy Love) references several passages to expand on Ephesians 1:10: Colossians 1:15-20, which describes Christ as the creator and reconciler of all things, both visible and invisible, and emphasizes that all things were made for him and are reconciled through his blood; Revelation 21, which depicts the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, symbolizing the uniting of heaven and earth; 2 Peter 2:4 and Revelation 20, which discuss the judgment of fallen angels and humans, clarifying that the uniting of all things does not imply universal salvation but a final, comprehensive reconciliation that includes both reward and judgment; Acts 17, which affirms God's sovereignty in determining the times and places of human existence; and Amos 3:7, which highlights God's pattern of revealing his plans to his prophets.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) cross-references Ephesians 1:10 with Colossians 1:20, which speaks of Christ reconciling all things in heaven and on earth through his blood, and Romans 8, which describes creation's groaning and anticipation of liberation from corruption. The sermon also cites Philippians 2:5-11, which details Christ's exaltation following his obedience unto death, and John 12:23 and John 17, which speak of Christ's glorification through the cross. Additional references include John 7:39 and Acts 2:33, which connect the giving of the Holy Spirit to Christ's exaltation, and 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4, which discuss the distribution of spiritual gifts as a result of Christ's ascension.

The Eternal Truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom (MLJTrust) and "The Cosmic Gospel: Establishing God's Kingdom on Earth" (MLJTrust) both draw on a wide array of biblical cross-references to support their interpretation of Ephesians 1:10. These include Genesis (creation and fall), Matthew 4:23 and 24:14 (the gospel of the kingdom), Luke 16:16 and 11:21-22 (the strong man and the coming of the kingdom), Colossians 1:13 and 2:15 (deliverance from the kingdom of darkness and Christ's triumph over principalities), Romans 8 (creation's bondage and liberation), John 6:15 and 17:20 (the nature of the kingdom), and Revelation (the final restoration and judgment). The sermons use these references to trace the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, situating Ephesians 1:10 within the broader story of God's reclaiming of the cosmos.

Living Out the Gospel: Unity and Transformation in Christ (BibleProject) references Genesis 12:1-3 (the promise to Abraham), Acts (the spread of the Spirit and the inclusion of Gentiles), and Ephesians 2-4 (the breaking down of barriers and the creation of a new humanity). These cross-references are used to show how Ephesians 1:10 is the fulfillment of God's ancient promises and the foundation for the church's unity.

God's Cosmic Plan: Unity in Christ (MLJTrust) makes extensive use of cross-references to support its interpretation of Ephesians 1:10. The preacher cites Colossians 1:15-20, which describes Christ as the creator and sustainer of all things, the head of the church, and the one in whom all things are reconciled. The sermon also references Romans 8, where Paul speaks of creation groaning and awaiting liberation, and Hebrews 12, which describes the unity of the church and the angelic hosts in worship. Revelation 5 is used to illustrate the participation of angels and redeemed humanity in the worship of the Lamb. Isaiah 11 is cited as a prophetic vision of restored harmony in creation, where even animals live in peace. These passages are used to demonstrate that the restoration envisioned in Ephesians 1:10 is cosmic, involving angels, humanity, and creation.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) references Colossians 1:20 as a parallel to Ephesians 1:10, emphasizing the reconciliation of all things in heaven and earth through Christ's blood. The sermon also cites Romans 8 to discuss the groaning of creation and its future liberation, Philippians 2 to explain Christ's exaltation, John 12 and 17 to highlight Christ's anticipation of glory through the cross, John 7:39 and Acts 2:33 to show the connection between Christ's glorification and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and Ephesians 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 12 to discuss the distribution of spiritual gifts as a result of Christ's ascension. Acts 2:29-36 is used to demonstrate the formal enthronement of Christ as mediatorial king.

Engaging Faith: Christians and Their Role in Government (MLJTrust) references Ephesians 1:10 to support the idea of cosmic restoration, and also alludes to Revelation 5, where Christ is depicted as the only one worthy to open the scroll of history, and to Jesus' statement in Matthew 28:18 that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him. The sermon also references Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2 to discuss the Christian's relationship to government and the broader world.

Assurance of Salvation: The Perseverance of the Saints (MLJTrust) uses Ephesians 1:10 as a foundational text, alongside Romans 8:28-30, to argue for the certainty of God's plan. The preacher also references Romans 4:16 to emphasize that salvation is by grace so that the promise may be sure, John 6 to highlight Jesus' assurance that he will lose none of those given to him, and 1 Corinthians 15 to contrast the first and last Adam and to underscore the victory and security found in Christ.

Becoming Part of God's Grand Narrative (David Guzik) references Hebrews (specifically the motif of "we see Jesus" in the midst of suffering) and Romans (creation groaning for deliverance), using these passages to reinforce the idea that all things are ultimately resolved and summed up in Christ. These cross-references serve to expand the scope of Ephesians 1:10, showing its resonance with other New Testament themes of cosmic reconciliation and Christ's centrality.

Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2 (David Guzik) draws on John 17 (Jesus' prayer for unity), Romans (the motif of being dead in trespasses and sins), and various New Testament descriptions of the unregenerate state (blindness, slavery, alienation). The sermon also references the story of Paul's arrest in Acts, the temple wall of separation, and the early church's self-description as a "third race." These references are used to illustrate the practical and theological outworking of Ephesians 1:10 in the life of the church and the individual believer.

Christ: The Center of God's Divine Plan (Desiring God) explicitly cross-references Romans 13:9-10, where Paul says that all commandments are "summed up" in the command to love, and Colossians 1:16, which states that all things were created through and for Christ. The sermon uses these passages to draw a linguistic and conceptual parallel, arguing that just as love is the sum and fullness of the law, Christ is the sum and fullness of all things in creation and history.

The Theological Art of Effective Preaching (MLJTrust) references several biblical passages to support the interpretation of Ephesians 1:10. The sermon notes how Paul’s epistles are structured, with doctrinal sections followed by practical application, and highlights Romans 12:1 (“I therefore beseech you by the mercies of God...”) as an example of doctrine leading to ethical exhortation. The preacher also references Acts 2 (Peter’s sermon at Pentecost), Acts 7 (Stephen’s address before the Sanhedrin), and Acts 13 (Paul’s address in Antioch), arguing that these New Testament sermons exhibit a definite form and unity, paralleling the unifying theme of Ephesians 1:10. These cross-references are used to demonstrate that the early church’s preaching was always rooted in the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan, not isolated moral or theological points, and that the unity described in Ephesians 1:10 is reflected in the structure and content of apostolic preaching.

Ephesians 1:10 Christian References outside the Bible:

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) explicitly references the views of unnamed commentators and church history regarding the interpretation of Ephesians 1:10, particularly the idea that Christ becomes the new head of the angels after Satan's fall. The preacher notes that this suggestion "commends itself" and has been "put forward many times in the history of the church," indicating engagement with the broader theological tradition, though no specific theologians are named.

God's Cosmic Plan: Unity in Christ (MLJTrust) explicitly references the translation of Paul’s epistles by J.B. Phillips and the paraphrase by Weymouth, commending Weymouth for capturing the sense of "reunite" in his rendering of Ephesians 1:10. The preacher also mentions consulting the standard Greek lexicon by Grimm, which supports the interpretation of the Greek verb as "to bring together again." These references are used to support the linguistic and interpretive claims made about the passage.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement (MLJTrust) refers to the history of interpretation within the church, noting that the idea of Christ becoming the head of the angels after Satan's fall "has been put forward many times in the history of the church" and is generally accepted by commentators. While no specific theologians are named, the sermon situates its interpretation within the broader tradition of Christian exegesis.

Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2 (David Guzik) explicitly references several Christian authors and commentators, including Charles Spurgeon (on the spiritual deadness of humanity and the persistence of God's grace), John Trapp (on the ethical and theological state of the unregenerate), and Adam Clarke (on the nobility, beauty, and divinity of the church as God's temple). Guzik quotes and paraphrases these figures to support his interpretation of Ephesians 1:10 and its implications for the church and individual believers, particularly in relation to grace, unity, and the transformative work of God.

Ephesians 1:10 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing God's Sovereignty and Grace in Our Lives (Crazy Love) uses a vivid secular illustration involving a congregant named Grace, who is called to the front and lavished with $20 bills as a tangible demonstration of unearned, extravagant grace. The preacher insists that Grace keep the money and spend it on herself, reinforcing the idea that God's grace is not only unearned but also meant to be received and enjoyed. This illustration is used to help the congregation viscerally experience the concept of being the object of God's lavish generosity, paralleling the theological point that believers are passive recipients of God's grace in the uniting of all things under Christ. The sermon also employs the analogy of the earth's tilt and rotation to illustrate the futility of human anxiety over God's sovereign plan, suggesting that just as we cannot affect the earth's axis or speed, we cannot alter God's eternal purposes.

Becoming Part of God's Grand Narrative (David Guzik) uses the secular analogy of a scientist or mathematician at a chalkboard, writing out a complex equation and pausing to write the answer—Jesus—at the bottom before continuing. This image is drawn from the world of mathematics and science, making the abstract theological concept of summing up all things in Christ tangible and relatable. The chalkboard metaphor is revisited throughout the sermon, emphasizing the idea that every person is a "mark" on the board, part of God's grand equation.

Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2 (David Guzik) extends the chalkboard/mathematical analogy from the previous sermon, but also introduces the illustration of a dead body in a coffin to explain spiritual death and resurrection. He further uses the example of Bill Gates as a metaphor for God's rich mercy and love, and references the historical figure Napoleon to illustrate the folly of self-salvation and boasting in one's own works. These secular illustrations serve to clarify and dramatize the theological points being made about Ephesians 1:10 and its implications for salvation, unity, and grace.

Christ: The Center of God's Divine Plan (Desiring God) employs the mathematical analogy of summing up a column of numbers, directly linking it to the Greek term used in Ephesians 1:10 and Romans 13:9. The sermon also references the concept of a "household administration" (oikonomia) as a kind of cosmic management plan, drawing on the secular idea of household or estate management to explain God's ordering of history. These analogies help to ground the abstract theological concepts in everyday experiences of calculation and administration.