Sermons on Ephesians 1:4-6

Ephesians 1:4-6 Interpretation:

God's Sovereignty: Evil's Role in Christ's Glory (Desiring God) interprets Ephesians 1:4-6 as the highest, most ultimate statement in the Bible regarding the purpose of the universe. The sermon uses the metaphor of a "supporting verse pyramid," with Ephesians 1:4-6 at the very top, supporting all other theological truths. The preacher emphasizes that the purpose of predestination, adoption, and election is to create a family of people conformed to the image of Christ, who exist "to the praise of the glory of his grace." The analogy of "images are for imaging" is used to explain that believers are meant to be living reflections of Christ's glorious grace, and that the universe itself is structured for this purpose. This interpretation is unique in its use of the "image" metaphor and its explicit claim that Ephesians 1:4-6 is the theological summit of all Scripture.

Living a Life of Purpose: For Christ, Not Self (Desiring God) provides a novel angle by connecting Ephesians 1:4-6 to the practical outworking of grace in the workplace and daily life. The sermon highlights that the plan for God to be magnified for his grace originated in eternity, and that grace was "given to you believer before the world was created," even before sin existed. The preacher draws out the implication that the very existence of grace as God's eternal purpose required the creation of a world where sin and redemption would be possible, thus making the display of grace through Christ's sacrifice the apex of God's glory. This is further illustrated by referencing the "Book of Life of the Lamb who was slain" as the name written before the foundation of the world, tying the eternal plan directly to Christ's atoning work. The interpretation is unique in its existential and practical application, as well as its focus on the pre-temporal giving of grace.

Christ's Centrality: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) offers a unique linear analogy for interpreting Ephesians 1:4-6, picturing all of history as a line stretching from eternity past to eternity future, with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection as the center point. The sermon emphasizes that election, predestination, and adoption are not isolated acts but are all designed to culminate in the praise of God’s glorious grace, which is most supremely displayed in Christ. The preacher highlights the repeated use of “in him,” “through Jesus Christ,” and “in the beloved” in the Greek text, arguing that these prepositions show that all of God’s eternal purposes—election, predestination, and adoption—are inseparably tied to Christ’s redemptive work. This Christocentric reading insists that God’s grace and glory are not abstract but are always mediated through the person and work of Jesus, making the gospel the gravitational center of all reality.

God's Predestined Adoption: Grace and Glory Revealed (Desiring God) interprets Ephesians 1:4-6 by focusing on the pre-temporal nature of adoption, stressing that God’s choice to adopt believers was made before the foundation of the world, not as a reaction to human sin but as part of his eternal plan. The sermon uses the analogy of God not adopting “cute little orphans” but rather rebellious enemies, emphasizing the radical nature of grace. The preacher insists that adoption is “from him, through him, and to him,” meaning it originates in God’s will, is accomplished through Christ’s atoning work, and is aimed at the praise of God’s glorious grace. This interpretation challenges sentimental views of adoption and instead centers on God’s self-exalting purpose, arguing that God’s self-glorification in adoption is the highest form of love because it gives believers the greatest joy in his grace.

Overcoming Discouragement Through God's Grace and Advocacy (SermonIndex.net) provides a distinctive interpretive approach by declaring Ephesians 1:4 as “the first verse in the Bible,” preceding even Genesis 1:1, to underscore the primacy of God’s electing love. The preacher repeatedly returns to the phrase “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6, KJV), using it as a spiritual antidote to discouragement and self-condemnation. The analogy of adopted children who fear rejection is used to illustrate how Christians often live as spiritual orphans, not realizing the security and permanence of their acceptance in Christ. The sermon also employs the metaphor of two wires in an electrical switch—God’s will and human will—emphasizing that salvation occurs when both connect, but the current (God’s will) always comes first. This interpretation is deeply pastoral, focusing on the experiential assurance and humility that flow from understanding one’s predestined adoption and acceptance in Christ.

Transformative Power of Grace in Our Lives (SermonIndex.net) offers a unique interpretation of Ephesians 1:4-6 by focusing on the phrase “unto the praise of the glory of His grace,” arguing that the Greek construction is better rendered as “the praise of the glory of His grace” rather than “His glorious grace.” The sermon contends that making “glory” an adjective (as in most translations) diminishes the force of the passage, and insists that the ultimate goal of God’s actions—election, predestination, adoption—is the praise of the very glory of grace itself. The preacher uses the metaphor of a “beam of divine glory” shining into the heart, along which “grace upon grace” flows, connecting the act of beholding God’s glory with the transformative experience of grace. This vision is not merely about being recipients of grace, but about being caught up into the very purpose of existence: to praise the glory of God’s grace, which is the apex of human wholeness and mental health. The sermon also draws a sharp distinction between authentic praise (which is an end in itself) and praise as a technique for self-improvement, warning against the latter as inauthentic and spiritually hollow.

Christ's Centrality: The Gospel's Transformative Power (SermonIndex.net) interprets Ephesians 1:4-6 by situating it within a cosmic, historical line stretching from eternity past to eternity future, with Christ and the gospel at the very center. The sermon highlights the repeated use of “in him,” “through Jesus Christ,” and “in the beloved” in the passage, arguing that all of God’s eternal purposes—election, predestination, adoption—are not only for the praise of the glory of His grace, but are fundamentally and necessarily Christ-centered. The preacher emphasizes that God’s choice of sinners for grace before the foundation of the world is only possible “in Christ,” because grace presupposes the gospel: the death and resurrection of Jesus as the means by which sinners can be adopted and blessed. The analogy of a historical “line” (rather than a circle) is used to illustrate that all of history before Christ points toward the gospel, and all that follows flows from it, making Christ’s work the hinge of all reality and the supreme display of God’s grace and glory.

Ephesians 1:4-6 Theological Themes:

The Glory of God's Grace Through Christ's Suffering (Desiring God) introduces the theme that the suffering and slaughter of Christ is not only central to redemption but is the very reason for creation itself. The sermon asserts that the ultimate purpose of the universe is to display the greatness of the glory of God's grace, which is most clearly and supremely revealed in the suffering of Christ. This theme is developed by arguing that all of history, including the entrance of sin and suffering, is orchestrated to set the stage for the display of grace through Christ's suffering, making suffering itself a necessary context for the revelation of grace.

God's Sovereignty: Evil's Role in Christ's Glory (Desiring God) presents the distinct theological theme that God's predestination and the existence of evil and treason in history (such as Israel's demand for a king and Judas's betrayal) are all sovereignly orchestrated to magnify the glory of Christ's grace. The sermon uniquely argues that even the most wicked acts are part of God's plan to bring about a family of redeemed people who will eternally praise the glory of his grace, and that this is the non-negotiable, ultimate purpose of the universe. The preacher also explores the necessity of a God-man king who can die for treasonous people, showing that the failures of human kingship were designed to point to Christ.

Living a Life of Purpose: For Christ, Not Self (Desiring God) adds a new facet by emphasizing that grace was given before the foundation of the world, requiring the existence of sin for grace to be displayed. The sermon explores the paradox that grace, as God's eternal purpose, necessitated the creation of a world where sin would exist so that grace could be manifest in redemption. This theme is applied to the believer's daily life, suggesting that making much of Christ and his grace in ordinary work is a direct participation in God's eternal purpose.

Christ's Centrality: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God’s election and predestination are not ends in themselves but are designed to result in the “praise of the glory of His grace,” which is most fully revealed in Christ. The sermon adds the nuanced idea that grace is the “apex” or supreme expression of God’s glory, and that the enjoyment and praise of this grace is the ultimate purpose of election and adoption. It also uniquely argues that all of history, including every event before and after the cross, is structured around this Christ-centered purpose, making the gospel the interpretive key to all reality.

God's Predestined Adoption: Grace and Glory Revealed (Desiring God) develops the theme that God’s adoption is radically God-centered, not human-centered. The preacher contends that God’s self-exaltation in adoption is not unloving but is, in fact, the highest form of love, because the greatest joy for believers is found in seeing and savoring God’s glory. The sermon also stresses that adoption is not based on human worth or performance, making it unshakable and liberating, and that God’s grace is magnified precisely by adopting the most unworthy.

Overcoming Discouragement Through God's Grace and Advocacy (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that predestination and adoption are intended to produce deep assurance and humility in believers. The preacher uniquely applies Ephesians 1:4-6 to the problem of discouragement and self-condemnation, arguing that the knowledge of being “accepted in the Beloved” is the foundation for overcoming these spiritual maladies. The sermon also introduces the idea that God’s predestining love is not merely about securing a future in heaven but is aimed at making believers holy and Christlike through all circumstances, including suffering and failure.

Transformative Power of Grace in Our Lives (SermonIndex.net) introduces the distinct theological theme that the love of God is defined as His relentless pursuit of our praise of His glory, especially the glory of His grace. The sermon provocatively asserts that God’s love is not primarily about making much of us, but about drawing us into the all-satisfying act of praising Him, which is the true apex of human wholeness and mental health. It challenges the common therapeutic or self-esteem-driven interpretations of God’s love, warning against equating feeling loved with being made much of, and instead posits that true spiritual health is found in being freed from self-obsession to delight in God’s glory. The preacher also adds the nuanced point that authentic praise cannot be used as a technique for self-improvement; rather, it is the natural overflow of seeing and savoring God’s glory, and any attempt to instrumentalize praise for personal gain is spiritually bankrupt.

Christ's Centrality: The Gospel's Transformative Power (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that the entire structure of reality—past, present, and future—is designed for the praise of the glory of God’s grace, with Christ’s atoning work as the indispensable center. The sermon adds a fresh angle by arguing that all spiritual blessings, promises, and even the ability to please God in daily life are only possible because of Christ’s death and resurrection, which purchased “blood-bought grace” and secured every promise for believers. The preacher further develops the idea that all things, including suffering and evil, are ultimately made to serve the joy and eternal good of God’s people, not by removing them, but by transforming them into servants of God’s redemptive purpose—a concept illustrated by the idea of being “more than conquerors” in all circumstances.

Ephesians 1:4-6 Historical and Contextual Insights:

God's Sovereignty: Evil's Role in Christ's Glory (Desiring God) provides detailed historical context regarding Israel's demand for a king. The sermon explains that for a thousand years, God was Israel's only king, and the people's request for a human king was an act of treason against God's kingship. The preacher notes that God had always planned for a king (as seen in Deuteronomy and the story of Melchizedek), but the way the monarchy was inaugurated—through rebellion—was intentional to demonstrate that only God can truly be king. The subsequent failure of all human kings was meant to point to the need for a divine king who could also die for his people, thus setting the stage for Christ. This historical insight is used to show how the events of Israel's history were orchestrated to fulfill the purpose outlined in Ephesians 1:4-6.

God's Predestined Adoption: Grace and Glory Revealed (Desiring God) provides historical context by clarifying that in the Greco-Roman world, adoption was not about taking in cute orphans but often involved bringing in outsiders or even enemies into the family, with all the rights and privileges of natural-born children. The preacher uses this background to stress the radical nature of God’s adoption of sinners, who were not merely neutral but actively rebellious, making the act of adoption a display of both justice (through Christ’s atonement) and mercy.

Overcoming Discouragement Through God's Grace and Advocacy (SermonIndex.net) offers a contextual insight by noting that the printing of the Bible in the late 1400s made the Scriptures accessible in a way that was not possible for most of church history. The preacher uses this to highlight the privilege of having direct access to Ephesians 1:4-6 and the assurance it brings, contrasting it with earlier generations who had to rely on oral transmission and often lacked this source of confidence.

Transformative Power of Grace in Our Lives (SermonIndex.net) provides a linguistic and contextual insight by discussing the Greek construction of Ephesians 1:6, arguing that most translations lose something vital by rendering it “his glorious grace” instead of the more literal “the glory of His grace.” The preacher insists that this subtle shift from noun to adjective changes the focus from the substance of God’s glory to a mere attribute, thereby diminishing the passage’s force about the ultimate purpose of creation and redemption.

Christ's Centrality: The Gospel's Transformative Power (SermonIndex.net) offers contextual insight by emphasizing the repeated Pauline formula “in him,” “through Jesus Christ,” and “in the beloved” in Ephesians 1:4-6, explaining that these phrases reflect the ancient Jewish and early Christian understanding of corporate identity and covenant, where blessings and election are always mediated through a representative (here, Christ). The sermon also situates the passage within the broader context of God’s eternal plan, highlighting the pre-creation setting (“before the foundation of the world”) as evidence of God’s sovereign, pre-temporal purpose centered on Christ.

Ephesians 1:4-6 Cross-References in the Bible:

The Glory of God's Grace Through Christ's Suffering (Desiring God) references several passages to support and expand on Ephesians 1:4-6: Galatians 4:5 is cited to show that adoption is rooted in Christ's redemptive death; Revelation 5:9-12 is used to illustrate that the worship of heaven centers on the Lamb who was slain, reinforcing that Christ's suffering is the focal point of eternal praise; Genesis 50:20 (the story of Joseph) is invoked to explain how God uses evil for good, paralleling the entrance of sin and suffering as part of God's plan for the display of grace; Romans 8:20-23 is referenced to explain the subjection of creation to futility and suffering as part of God's redemptive plan; Isaiah 53:5, 33:11, Lamentations 3:32-33, and other passages are used to show that God does not delight in suffering but ordains it for the greater purpose of displaying his grace; and a series of New Testament texts (Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 2:24, Philippians 2:7-8, Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:14, Isaiah 53:4, Revelation 7, 1 Peter 3:18) are marshaled to enumerate the specific accomplishments of Christ's suffering for believers, all of which are seen as the outworking of the purpose stated in Ephesians 1:4-6.

God's Sovereignty: Evil's Role in Christ's Glory (Desiring God) draws on a wide array of biblical cross-references to illuminate Ephesians 1:4-6: Romans 8:28-29 is used to explain that all things work together for good by conforming believers to the image of Christ, which is then specified by Ephesians 1:4-6 as being "to the praise of the glory of his grace"; Genesis 50:20 is cited to illustrate God's sovereign use of evil for good; 1 Samuel 12 and 8, Deuteronomy 17 and 28, and the story of Melchizedek are referenced to provide the background for Israel's monarchy; Acts 13:20 is used to show Paul's interpretation of Israel's history; Psalm 110:1 and Jesus' use of it in the Gospels are referenced to demonstrate the divine nature of the Messiah; Matthew 21:42, John 15:25, Matthew 26:31, John 19:34, Matthew 26:24, and Acts 4:27-28 are all cited to show that the betrayal, suffering, and death of Christ were prophesied and predestined by God, fulfilling Scripture through the sinful actions of men; Isaiah 53:6,10 is used to assert that it was the will of the Lord to crush Christ; and Romans 8:29, 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, and other passages are referenced to connect the believer's calling and vocation to the eternal purpose of glorifying God's grace.

Living a Life of Purpose: For Christ, Not Self (Desiring God) references Ephesians 1:4-6 alongside 2 Timothy 1:9 to show that grace was given before the ages, and Revelation 13:8 to highlight that the "Book of Life of the Lamb who was slain" was written before the foundation of the world. John 17:15 is cited to affirm that believers are meant to remain in the world, and 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 is used to encourage Christians to glorify God in their current vocations. Romans 15 and Acts 20:35 are referenced to support the legitimacy and purpose of secular work, and the importance of generosity. These cross-references are used to ground the practical application of Ephesians 1:4-6 in the broader biblical narrative.

Christ's Centrality: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) references several passages to expand on Ephesians 1:4-6: 2 Timothy 1:9, which states that grace was given “in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” confirming the pre-temporal nature of election and grace; Revelation 13:8, which speaks of names written in the “book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” reinforcing the idea that Christ’s sacrifice was always central to God’s plan; Hebrews 13:20-21, which connects the “blood of the eternal covenant” to God’s ongoing work in believers; 2 Corinthians 1:20, which asserts that all God’s promises are “yes” in Christ; Romans 8:28 and 8:32, which teach that all things work together for good for the elect and that God, having given his Son, will graciously give all things; and 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, which declares that “all things are yours” in Christ, including even death and suffering. Each of these references is used to show that both the blessings and the trials of the Christian life are secured and made meaningful only through Christ’s redemptive work, and that the ultimate purpose is the praise of God’s grace.

Election and Evangelism: God's Sovereign Plan Unveiled (Desiring God) cross-references Ephesians 1:4-6 with 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (God’s election of the weak and foolish to nullify human boasting), Romans 9:11 (election not based on works but on God’s call), Romans 10:13-15 (necessity of hearing and believing the gospel for salvation), 2 Timothy 2:10 (Paul’s evangelistic endurance for the sake of the elect), Acts 18:10 (God’s assurance to Paul of many elect in Corinth), Acts 13:48 (those appointed to eternal life believe), and Acts 26 (Paul’s commission to open the eyes of the Gentiles). These references are marshaled to argue that God’s election is always coordinated with the means of evangelism, and that the doctrine of election should fuel, not hinder, missionary zeal.

Overcoming Discouragement Through God's Grace and Advocacy (SermonIndex.net) references Luke 22:31-32 (Jesus’ prayer for Peter’s faith not to fail), 1 John 2:1 (Christ as advocate), Hebrews 7:25 (Christ’s ongoing intercession), Revelation 12:10-11 (overcoming the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony), Romans 8:28-29 (all things work together for good to conform believers to Christ), 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (Paul’s thorn in the flesh and God’s grace in weakness), 1 Peter 5:5 (God gives grace to the humble), Zephaniah 2:3 (call to seek more humility), and 2 Timothy 2:19 (the dual seal of God’s knowledge of his own and the call to holiness). Each reference is used to reinforce the assurance, humility, and Christlikeness that flow from understanding predestination and adoption.

Transformative Power of Grace in Our Lives (SermonIndex.net) draws on several cross-references to expand on Ephesians 1:4-6: John 1:14,16 is used to connect the fullness of Christ’s grace and truth with the experience of “grace upon grace,” arguing that beholding Christ’s glory is the means by which transformative grace enters the believer’s life. 2 Corinthians 3:18 is cited to support the idea that “beholding the glory of the Lord” is the means of transformation into Christ’s likeness, reinforcing the link between seeing God’s glory and being changed. Ephesians 2:4-7 is referenced to show that God’s “great love” is expressed in making believers alive with Christ so that, in the coming ages, He might “show the immeasurable riches of His grace,” further supporting the theme that God’s love is about displaying His glory for our joy. The sermon also references Ephesians 1:12,14 to show the repeated emphasis on the praise of God’s glory as the ultimate goal of redemption.

Christ's Centrality: The Gospel's Transformative Power (SermonIndex.net) references multiple passages to support and expand on Ephesians 1:4-6: 2 Timothy 1:9 is used to show that God’s grace was given “in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” confirming the pre-temporal, Christ-centered nature of God’s plan. Revelation 13:8 is cited to illustrate that the “book of life of the Lamb who was slain” was written before the foundation of the world, reinforcing the idea that Christ’s sacrificial death was always central to God’s purpose. Hebrews 13:20-21 is referenced to argue that all spiritual good and obedience in the believer’s life is possible only “through Jesus Christ,” by the “blood of the eternal covenant.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 is used to show that “all the promises of God find their Yes in him,” making Christ the guarantor of every divine promise. Romans 8:28,32 and 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 are cited to argue that “all things” (including suffering and evil) are made to serve the good of God’s people because of Christ’s atoning work, and that believers are “more than conquerors” because even their enemies are transformed into servants of their joy and God’s glory.

Ephesians 1:4-6 Christian References outside the Bible:

The Glory of God's Grace Through Christ's Suffering (Desiring God) explicitly references several Christian thinkers and authors in its discussion of Ephesians 1:4-6. Mark Talbot is cited for his articulation of the idea that God can will that sin be without himself being sinful, and his explanation of Lamentations 3:32-33 is quoted to clarify that God does not afflict "from his heart" but does ordain suffering for a greater purpose. The sermon also mentions Johnny Erickson Tada, Carl Ellison, David Powlison, and Steve Saint as individuals who have testified to the sufficiency and riches of grace in suffering, reinforcing the sermon's theme that the display of grace in suffering is the ultimate purpose of God.

Living a Life of Purpose: For Christ, Not Self (Desiring God) explicitly quotes Martin Luther on the priesthood of all believers and the spiritual value of secular work. Luther's argument that there is no essential difference between laypeople and clergy, and that all Christians are priests by virtue of their calling and work, is used to affirm the dignity and spiritual significance of ordinary vocations. The preacher also references John Wesley's maxim to "make as much as you can and give as much as you can" to encourage generosity and the use of wealth for the good of others.

Transformative Power of Grace in Our Lives (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references C.S. Lewis and Jonathan Edwards in its discussion of Ephesians 1:4-6. C.S. Lewis is quoted regarding the nature of praise, noting that “all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise,” and that the most balanced and capacious minds praise most, while the “cranks and misfits and malcontents praised least.” This is used to support the idea that authentic praise is the apex of human wholeness, not a technique for self-improvement. Jonathan Edwards is cited for his analysis of true and false religious affections, distinguishing between “true saints” who delight in God for His own sake and “hypocrites” who only rejoice in being made much of. Edwards’ insight is used to warn against a self-centered interpretation of God’s love and to advocate for a God-centered, grace-praising spirituality.

Ephesians 1:4-6 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Living a Life of Purpose: For Christ, Not Self (Desiring God) provides several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Ephesians 1:4-6. The sermon opens with a story about the preacher's encounter with a group of teenagers outside a hotel, where one young man advises, "Tell them to stand on their own two feet," which is then contrasted with the biblical message of living for Christ rather than self-sufficiency. The preacher also uses the analogy of animals—beavers, spiders, hummingbirds, and ants—to illustrate the difference between human work and animal labor, emphasizing that humans can consciously dedicate their work to God, unlike animals who act by instinct. The beauty of a spider web is described in detail as an example of natural excellence that, while glorifying God, lacks the conscious intent that characterizes human work. Additionally, the preacher shares an anecdote about a successful pharmaceutical salesman who attributes his effectiveness to trustworthiness and integrity, using this as an example of how secular work can "adorn the doctrine of God" and make the gospel attractive. These illustrations serve to ground the theological message of Ephesians 1:4-6 in everyday experience and to show how the display of God's grace can be manifested in ordinary life and work.

Overcoming Discouragement Through God's Grace and Advocacy (SermonIndex.net) uses the analogy of two wires in an electrical switch to illustrate the relationship between God’s will and human will in salvation: just as both wires must touch for the light to come on, so both God’s predestining will and human response are necessary for salvation, but the current (God’s will) is always primary. The sermon also draws on the experience of adopted children who sometimes fear rejection, using this as a metaphor for how Christians may feel insecure in their relationship with God, despite being fully accepted in Christ. Additionally, the preacher uses the image of a “no entry” traffic sign to counsel believers to avoid the “roads” of discouragement and self-condemnation, making the point that these are forbidden paths for those who are accepted in the Beloved. The analogy of a beautifully wrapped gift containing a thorn is used to describe how God’s gifts (such as Paul’s thorn in the flesh) may not always appear pleasant but are ultimately for the believer’s good. Finally, the preacher references the practical realities of food and sleep to challenge believers who neglect daily Bible reading, arguing that spiritual nourishment is even more essential than physical sustenance.

Transformative Power of Grace in Our Lives (SermonIndex.net) uses a detailed analogy from C.S. Lewis (a Christian author, but here referencing common human experience) about the ubiquity of praise in everyday life. Lewis observes that people praise everything from lovers to poets, countryside, games, weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, historical personages, children, flowers, mountains, rare stamps, rare beetles, and even politicians and scholars. This wide-ranging list is used to illustrate the naturalness and spontaneity of praise as an overflow of enjoyment, and to argue that the praise of God’s glory is the most natural and fulfilling expression of human existence, not a religious technique or duty. The preacher uses this secular observation to reinforce the theological point that authentic praise is the apex of human wholeness and the true goal of God’s grace.