Embracing God's Sovereignty and Grace in Salvation

 

Summary

In Ephesians 1:1-6, we are reminded of the profound truths of God's sovereignty and grace in salvation. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, writes to the faithful in Ephesus, extending grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He begins with a doxology, praising God for blessing us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. This passage emphasizes that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace.

The doctrine of election and predestination can be challenging to grasp. Many, including myself, have struggled with these concepts, questioning how a loving God could choose some and not others. However, as we delve deeper into Scripture, particularly Ephesians 1 and 2, we begin to understand that God's sovereignty in salvation is a mystery revealed to us, not to be unraveled by human reasoning but accepted in faith. This understanding humbles us, as we realize that our salvation is entirely by God's grace and not by our merit.

Paul's exuberance in this passage reflects the joy and gratitude we should feel, knowing that we are chosen and loved by God. Our adoption into God's family means we are secure in His love, and nothing can separate us from it. This truth should lead us to live lives of holiness, not to earn God's favor, but as a response to the grace we have received.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Sovereignty in Salvation: Understanding God's sovereignty in salvation requires humility and submission to His Word. It challenges our human reasoning and calls us to trust in His divine wisdom and purpose. This doctrine is not a weapon to wield against others but a truth to be embraced with grace and patience. [06:08]

2. The Mystery of Election: The doctrine of election is a mystery revealed by God, not to be unraveled by human logic. It calls us to recognize our depravity and the depth of God's grace in choosing us. This understanding should lead us to humility and gratitude, acknowledging that our salvation is entirely by God's grace. [23:55]

3. Adoption into God's Family: Our adoption as sons and daughters of God signifies our secure position in His family. It assures us of His eternal love and commitment to us, reminding us that we are no longer under the authority of the evil one but belong to God. This truth should bring us comfort and confidence in our relationship with Him. [37:29]

4. Living in Holiness: Being chosen in Christ calls us to live holy and blameless lives, not to earn God's favor but as a response to His grace. Our sanctification is both a definitive act of God and a progressive journey empowered by His Spirit. We are called to strive for holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in our lives. [31:57]

5. The Purpose of God's Grace: God's grace in salvation is ultimately for His glory. Our understanding of this grace should lead us to worship and praise Him, recognizing that our salvation is not about us but about His purpose and glory. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to God, fostering a life of worship and gratitude. [41:04]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:07] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:1-6
[01:12] - Prayer for Understanding
[02:06] - The Importance of Studying Ephesians
[03:41] - God's Sovereignty and Election
[04:22] - Personal Struggles with Predestination
[06:08] - The Challenge of Understanding God's Sovereignty
[08:31] - Wrestling with Doctrinal Mysteries
[11:37] - The Right Questions About Salvation
[12:54] - Paul's Exuberant Praise
[15:11] - The Focus on God's Glory
[18:30] - Doctrine Informing Feelings
[23:55] - The Mystery of God's Election
[27:22] - The Purpose of Creation
[32:43] - Adoption as Sons Through Christ
[39:09] - The Assurance of Our Salvation
[41:04] - The Purpose of God's Grace in Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:1-6

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about God's role in our salvation in Ephesians 1:1-6? How does he describe the blessings we receive in Christ? [00:46]
2. How does Paul describe the concept of being chosen by God before the foundation of the world? What purpose does he say this serves? [00:57]
3. In what way does Paul express his gratitude and praise to God in this passage? How does this reflect his understanding of God's grace? [13:31]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the doctrine of election challenge our human reasoning, and why does Paul encourage believers to accept it in faith? [06:08]
2. What does it mean to be adopted into God's family, and how does this change our relationship with God according to the sermon? [37:29]
3. How does understanding God's sovereignty in salvation lead to humility and gratitude, as discussed in the sermon? [23:55]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with the concept of God's sovereignty in salvation. How did you reconcile this with your understanding of a loving God? [04:54]
2. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise like Paul, knowing that you are chosen and loved by God? What specific actions can you take this week to express this gratitude? [13:31]
3. In what ways can you live a life of holiness as a response to God's grace, rather than trying to earn His favor? Identify one area in your life where you can strive for holiness this week. [31:57]
4. How does the assurance of being adopted into God's family impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges? [37:29]
5. Consider the purpose of God's grace being for His glory. How can this perspective shift your focus from yourself to God in your daily activities and interactions? [41:04]
6. Identify a specific way you can demonstrate humility and patience when discussing challenging doctrines with others. How can you ensure that your approach is filled with grace? [06:08]
7. Think of someone in your life who may not understand the doctrine of election. How can you engage them in a conversation that is both respectful and enlightening, without using it as a "weapon"? [06:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Understanding God's sovereignty in salvation requires humility and submission to His Word. It challenges our human reasoning and calls us to trust in His divine wisdom and purpose. This doctrine is not a weapon to wield against others but a truth to be embraced with grace and patience. The concept of God's sovereignty can be difficult to grasp, especially when it seems to conflict with our understanding of free will and love. However, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our ways can lead us to a place of peace and trust. We are called to rest in the assurance that God is in control, and His plans are for our ultimate good and His glory. [06:08]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively choose to trust Him today?


Day 2: Embracing the Mystery of Election
The doctrine of election is a mystery revealed by God, not to be unraveled by human logic. It calls us to recognize our depravity and the depth of God's grace in choosing us. This understanding should lead us to humility and gratitude, acknowledging that our salvation is entirely by God's grace. The mystery of election is not meant to be a stumbling block but a source of awe and wonder at the depth of God's love and grace. It reminds us that we are not saved by our own efforts or merits but by God's sovereign choice and mercy. This truth should humble us and lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace in our lives. [23:55]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: How does the mystery of election challenge your understanding of God's grace? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for His sovereign choice?


Day 3: Secure in God's Family
Our adoption as sons and daughters of God signifies our secure position in His family. It assures us of His eternal love and commitment to us, reminding us that we are no longer under the authority of the evil one but belong to God. This truth should bring us comfort and confidence in our relationship with Him. Being adopted into God's family means that we have a new identity and a new inheritance. We are no longer defined by our past or our failures but by our relationship with God. This security allows us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [37:29]

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted into God's family change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? What steps can you take to live more confidently in this truth today?


Day 4: Living a Life of Holiness
Being chosen in Christ calls us to live holy and blameless lives, not to earn God's favor but as a response to His grace. Our sanctification is both a definitive act of God and a progressive journey empowered by His Spirit. We are called to strive for holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in our lives. Holiness is not about perfection but about being set apart for God's purposes. It involves a daily commitment to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with God's will. As we grow in holiness, we become more like Christ and reflect His love and grace to the world around us. [31:57]

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14-16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life is God calling you to pursue holiness? How can you take practical steps to grow in this area today?


Day 5: The Purpose of God's Grace
God's grace in salvation is ultimately for His glory. Our understanding of this grace should lead us to worship and praise Him, recognizing that our salvation is not about us but about His purpose and glory. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to God, fostering a life of worship and gratitude. When we understand that our salvation is part of God's greater plan to reveal His glory, it changes the way we live. We are no longer living for ourselves but for Him, seeking to honor and glorify Him in all that we do. This shift in perspective leads to a life of worship, gratitude, and service. [41:04]

"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, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the purpose of God's grace in your life change the way you live? What is one way you can intentionally glorify God today in response to His grace?

Quotes


"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." [00:32:10]

"Father, we thank you for your word, and we thank you, Lord, that you have made us people of your word who are sanctified by your word, challenged by your word, rebuked by your word. And Father, we pray that each and every one of us would continue to be humble and contrite students of your word, never thinking that we are masters of it or over it." [00:77:36]

"Now, years ago, when I had first come into contact with these doctrines, with the doctrines of predestination, the doctrines of election and reprobation, I was horrified by them. I thought they were of the devil. The teaching that I was under at having really just been a Christian for a few years and hearing these things about God's sovereignty and choosing and God's sovereignty and election, I thought were completely antithetical to Scripture." [00:54:64]

"I understand how difficult it is. It's one of the reasons why I have never treated these doctrines as a billy club or as a sledgehammer, because I understand the struggle it is to come to understand these things and how difficult it is to wrap our minds around these truths about the character of God and who we understand our God to be." [00:63:03]

"Paul begins his letter in a unique way with what would really have been to most of the Jews who would have heard this the beginning of an old-fashioned ancient Jewish benediction. But what they would have been familiar with throughout the Old Testament is blessed be God, blessed be our Lord, but here Paul includes blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:82:88]

"Everything that we are, everything that we possess, every thing that God has given us is all through Christ. Now we read this and if you're like me, you hear this language you say, okay, Paul, that sounds really nice. I don't believe it. For Paul to say that we have received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." [00:95:68]

"Now, Paul, as he begins this letter to the Ephesians, we don't know what's going on in his mind. We don't know what experience he's had. We don't know how he's feeling, but it's like he can barely contain himself. It's like he can barely hold it in. I can only imagine as Paul was likely dictating this to his amanuensis." [00:74:95]

"God did this in love. Now whether Paul is speaking here of that he chose us in love before him in love or that he predestined us in love is a bit secondary, but here Paul is saying that in love he predestined us. Now we understand that predestination and election are not necessarily synonymous." [00:77:59]

"God takes us from the realm of darkness, takes our cold dead hard hearts and gives us new hearts of flesh that are pliable, moldable, soft, broken, and contrite. God takes us into his own family and that means that we do not have to worry. We're his forever. We don't have to worry that he's going to kick us out." [00:72:24]

"God's grace in salvation is ultimately for His glory. Our understanding of this grace should lead us to worship and praise Him, recognizing that our salvation is not about us but about His purpose and glory. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to God, fostering a life of worship and gratitude." [00:24:64]

"God's sovereignty in salvation requires humility and submission to His Word. It challenges our human reasoning and calls us to trust in His divine wisdom and purpose. This doctrine is not a weapon to wield against others but a truth to be embraced with grace and patience." [00:06:08]

"The doctrine of election is a mystery revealed by God, not to be unraveled by human logic. It calls us to recognize our depravity and the depth of God's grace in choosing us. This understanding should lead us to humility and gratitude, acknowledging that our salvation is entirely by God's grace." [00:23:55]

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Transcript
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