Embracing God's Sovereign Plan and Lavish Grace
Summary
God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, has chosen to reveal the mystery of His will to us, His beloved children. This revelation is a profound blessing, as it allows us to understand His divine plan and purpose. As stated in Amos 3:7, God does nothing without revealing His secrets to His prophets. This principle is evident throughout the Bible, as seen in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, where God chose to share His plans with Abraham. This intimate sharing signifies the deep relationship God desires with us, His children.
God's plan, as revealed in Ephesians, is to unite all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth. This grand design is not a recent development but was established before the foundation of the world. Before the creation of the earth, God had already chosen us to be part of His divine plan. This choice underscores the eternal nature of God's love and purpose for us. The worship that occurs in heaven, as described in Revelation, is a glimpse of the unity that God intends to bring about. Our earthly worship is a participation in this heavenly reality, a foretaste of the ultimate union that will occur in the fullness of time.
This divine plan is not dependent on us; it is God's sovereign will that will come to pass. Our role is not to question or alter this plan but to embrace it and find joy in being part of it. God, in His grace, has included us in His plan, showering us with forgiveness and love. This grace is a gift, a lavish outpouring of His favor upon us. As we live in anticipation of the day when heaven and earth will be united, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness and to rejoice in the grace He has bestowed upon us.
Key Takeaways:
- God reveals His plans to those He loves, as seen in His interactions with the prophets and Abraham. This revelation is a sign of His intimate relationship with us, inviting us to understand and participate in His divine will. [00:33]
- The plan to unite all things in Christ was established before the foundation of the world, highlighting the eternal nature of God's purpose and His love for us. This plan is not a reaction to events but a deliberate choice made in eternity. [02:11]
- Our worship on earth is a reflection of the worship in heaven, a participation in the heavenly reality that God will ultimately unite with the earthly realm. This unity is a central aspect of God's plan for the fullness of time. [03:19]
- God's plan is sovereign and independent of human input. It is a testament to His faithfulness and truth, assuring us that what He has promised will come to pass. Our role is to trust and embrace His plan with gratitude. [05:26]
- The grace God lavishes upon us is a gift, an expression of His love and forgiveness. This grace invites us to be part of His divine plan, culminating in the union of heaven and earth. We are called to live in anticipation and joy of this future reality. [06:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - God's Lavish Grace
[00:33] - Revelation to the Prophets
[01:06] - God's Intimate Sharing with Abraham
[01:38] - The Divine Plan for Unity
[02:11] - Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
[02:51] - Worship in Heaven and Earth
[03:33] - The Coming Unity
[04:12] - God's Eternal Choice
[05:12] - The Sovereign Plan
[06:00] - Embracing God's Grace
[06:16] - Anticipation of Unity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Amos 3:7 - "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."
2. Ephesians 1:9-10 - "He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
3. Revelation 4-5 - Descriptions of heavenly worship and the unity of all creation in worshiping Christ.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Amos 3:7, what is the significance of God revealing His plans to His prophets? How does this reflect His relationship with them? [00:33]
2. In Ephesians 1:9-10, what is the mystery of God's will that has been revealed to us? How does this relate to the unity of all things in Christ? [01:55]
3. How does the worship described in Revelation 4-5 compare to our earthly worship experiences? What does this suggest about the connection between heaven and earth? [03:19]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the timing of God's plan to unite heaven and earth? When was this plan established? [04:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God choose to reveal His plans to those He loves, as seen in His interactions with the prophets and Abraham? What does this tell us about His character and His relationship with us? [01:06]
2. How does understanding that God's plan was established before the foundation of the world affect our perception of His love and purpose for us? [02:11]
3. In what ways does our earthly worship serve as a reflection or participation in the heavenly worship described in Revelation? How does this understanding impact our worship practices? [03:19]
4. What does it mean for God's plan to be sovereign and independent of human input? How should this influence our trust and response to His plan? [05:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God revealed a part of His plan to you. How did this experience affect your relationship with Him? [00:33]
2. How can you actively participate in God's plan to unite all things in Christ in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to promote unity in your community? [01:55]
3. Consider your current worship practices. How can you make your worship more reflective of the heavenly worship described in Revelation? What changes might you need to make? [03:19]
4. In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's sovereign plan? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in His faithfulness and truth? [05:26]
5. God's grace is described as a lavish gift. How can you better embrace and share this grace with others in your life? [06:00]
6. As we anticipate the future union of heaven and earth, what practical steps can you take to live in joy and anticipation of this reality? [06:16]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the eternal nature of God's love and purpose for you, especially during challenging times? [02:11]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Intimate Revelation
God, in His infinite wisdom, reveals His plans to those He loves, as seen in His interactions with the prophets and Abraham. This revelation is a sign of His intimate relationship with us, inviting us to understand and participate in His divine will. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates this principle, where God chose to share His plans with Abraham, signifying the deep relationship He desires with His children. This intimate sharing is not just a historical event but a present reality, as God continues to reveal His will to us through His Word and Spirit. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we are invited to listen and respond to His revelations, trusting that He desires to include us in His divine plan. [00:33]
"For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God was revealing something to you. How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to His revelations in your daily life?
Day 2: Eternal Unity in Christ
The plan to unite all things in Christ was established before the foundation of the world, highlighting the eternal nature of God's purpose and His love for us. This plan is not a reaction to events but a deliberate choice made in eternity. Before the creation of the earth, God had already chosen us to be part of His divine plan, underscoring the eternal nature of His love and purpose for us. This grand design is a testament to God's sovereignty and His desire to bring about unity in Christ, both in heaven and on earth. As we reflect on this eternal plan, we are reminded of our place in God's story and the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled. [02:11]
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that God’s plan for unity in Christ was established before the foundation of the world impact your understanding of your purpose and identity in Him today?
Day 3: Earthly Worship as Heavenly Participation
Our worship on earth is a reflection of the worship in heaven, a participation in the heavenly reality that God will ultimately unite with the earthly realm. This unity is a central aspect of God's plan for the fullness of time. The worship that occurs in heaven, as described in Revelation, is a glimpse of the unity that God intends to bring about. Our earthly worship is not just a ritual but a foretaste of the ultimate union that will occur in the fullness of time. As we gather to worship, we are participating in a heavenly reality, joining with the angels and saints in adoration of our Creator. This perspective transforms our worship, inviting us to engage with a sense of awe and anticipation. [03:19]
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach your worship with a greater sense of participation in the heavenly reality? What changes can you make to your worship practices to reflect this understanding?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
God's plan is sovereign and independent of human input. It is a testament to His faithfulness and truth, assuring us that what He has promised will come to pass. Our role is to trust and embrace His plan with gratitude. This divine plan is not dependent on us; it is God's sovereign will that will come to pass. Our role is not to question or alter this plan but to embrace it and find joy in being part of it. God, in His grace, has included us in His plan, showering us with forgiveness and love. As we live in anticipation of the day when heaven and earth will be united, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness and to rejoice in the grace He has bestowed upon us. [05:26]
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." (Psalm 33:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God’s sovereign plan? How can you actively choose to trust Him more in this area today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Lavish Grace
The grace God lavishes upon us is a gift, an expression of His love and forgiveness. This grace invites us to be part of His divine plan, culminating in the union of heaven and earth. We are called to live in anticipation and joy of this future reality. God's grace is a lavish outpouring of His favor upon us, inviting us to embrace His plan with gratitude and joy. As we reflect on the grace we have received, we are reminded of the forgiveness and love that God has showered upon us. This grace is not just a gift for the future but a present reality that transforms our lives and calls us to live in anticipation of the day when heaven and earth will be united. [06:00]
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live more fully in the reality of God’s grace today? What specific actions can you take to express gratitude for His lavish grace in your life?
Quotes
one of the ways God blesses us is he lets us know what he's doing I I was reading in Amos and it says in Amos 3:7 it says the Lord does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets God says I I don't do anything but I tell the prophets as in the Old Testament [00:31:48]
remember when God was going to destroy Sodom and gomorah and you remember when he says well am I going to keep this from Abraham that's such a weird phrase he goes how can I keep this from Abraham I can't just go down to Sodom and Gomorrah without telling Abraham first I love that [01:08:96]
he goes can I do this thing without telling here he's saying I'm now that you are all my children let me make known to you these mysteries of what I'm doing he has a plan verse 10 as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him things in heaven and things on earth [01:91:75]
so God says I have a plan and I want to tell you my plan because I love you I've always revealed my plan to those that I love I showed it to the prophets and they passed it on to the people I told it to Abraham because he was my friend and he says to us he goes I have a plan [02:25:88]
he goes for the fullness of time I'm going to unite all things in Christ things in heaven and things on earth God says I'm I'm going I have a plan and in the fullness of time I'm going to unite Heaven and Earth the things in heaven because things are going on in heaven right now [02:56:51]
you know we've looked at Revelation 4 you know many times about all the praise and worship that's going on amongst the 100 million angels and then the chapter five where where Christ is there and and you know and every creature just giving him glory like that's going on there's this worship going on [02:74:80]
meanwhile when we worship and here you know even even tonight I was just trying to think okay I'm joining the things in heaven like that's going on worships going on up there and worship going on in this room and there's like this split thing where something's happening up there and we're kind of joining it [03:99:59]
but we can't see it and God says I've got a plan it's all going to unite at some point and so right now I am lavishing this Grace upon you I've chosen you to be a part of this when did God make this plan when did God decide to do this well we talked about this the last couple weeks [03:222:20]
right he chose us in him before the foundation of the world so it was before the foundation of the world so you got of catch this so God existed before you you all knew that right right okay he's the I am he always was he was there he existed before you and he he existed before he said let there be light [04:252:48]
and before he made an earth it says he chose he chose you before the foundation of the world so this is when the plan started he had not made the Earth yet and he already chose Elliott then he says Earth and he makes the world so this plan was before the foundation of the world [04:280:36]
and then he explains this plan goes on and on and on and continues and have a plan at the end I'm going to unite the things in heaven with the things that are on the earth in the fullness of time so this whole thing is going on so it's not about us okay you weren't there you you don't have this plan [05:309:60]
this plan is going to happen because God is faithful and true and whatever he says is going to happen is going to happen and we've seen that through history and I know this frustrates people that God has a plan because he never asked you about it he didn't need your opinion he just said this is what I'm going to do [05:333:72]
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