Embracing Redemption: Our Identity and Hope in Christ
Summary
The sermon, deeply rooted in Ephesians chapter 1, explores the profound spiritual blessings that believers receive through being "in Christ." The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the worship and prays for God's word to resonate and bear fruit in the hearts of the congregation. The phrase "every spiritual blessing" captivates the speaker, leading to a meditation on its significance for the believers present.
Central to the sermon is the concept of redemption, a theme that is intricately woven through the narrative of the New Testament. The speaker emphasizes that redemption is not just a theological term but a present reality for those in Christ. It signifies a release from the bondage of sin, made possible through Jesus' sacrificial death. This redemption is not only a current experience but also points to a future day when God's plan will fully unfold, culminating in the unification of all things under Christ.
Personal stories and struggles are acknowledged, recognizing that each member of the congregation has a unique journey. Yet, in Christ, there is forgiveness for all sins, be it failed marriages, addictions, or any other transgression. The speaker assures that redemption is fully paid for by Jesus, and God's grace is abundantly bestowed upon believers.
The sermon also delves into the mystery of God's will, revealed to believers as part of their redeemed identity. This mystery, once hidden, is now made known and is purposed in Christ to bring unity to all creation. The speaker underscores the importance of understanding this mystery and its implications for the believers' lives.
Finally, the concept of adoption is highlighted, illustrating that believers are chosen by God to be His children. This adoption is part of the already but not yet reality of the Kingdom, where believers enjoy certain blessings now, with the promise of more to come. The sermon concludes with a reflection on hope, emphasizing that it is grounded not in what is seen but in the assurance of God's ultimate control through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The phrase "in Christ" is pivotal to understanding the identity of believers. It signifies a shared oneness with Jesus, through which redemption, forgiveness, and God's grace are experienced. This phrase is not just a theological construct but a reality that shapes the daily lives and common identity of the church, offering a storehouse of spiritual abundance. [43:56]
- Redemption in Christ is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both the present and the future. Believers currently enjoy the freedom from sin's condemnation, yet they also look forward to the complete fulfillment of God's redemption plan. This tension between the "already" and the "not yet" aspects of redemption encourages believers to live with hope and anticipation for what God will ultimately accomplish. [57:12]
- The sermon emphasizes that God's grace is not merely sufficient but is lavished upon believers. This abundance of grace is a testament to the depth of God's love and the completeness of Christ's work on the cross. It is a grace that covers every sin and empowers believers to live in freedom and victory. [49:34]
- Understanding the mystery of God's will is crucial for believers. This mystery, which is God's plan to unite all things in Christ, provides a framework for understanding the world and our place in it. It is a reminder that history is moving towards a divine purpose and that believers play a part in this grand narrative of redemption. [43:06]
- The concept of adoption into God's family is a profound truth that speaks to the heart of the gospel. Before the world was created, God chose believers to be His children, and through Jesus' work, this spiritual reality has been actualized. The cross and the empty tomb are not just historical events but symbols of the grace that has brought believers into a familial relationship with the Creator. [52:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:7-10
- Galatians 4:4-5
- Romans 8:22-25
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:7, what do believers have "in Christ"? How is this achieved? [46:14]
2. What does the phrase "lavished on us" in Ephesians 1:8 suggest about God's grace? [51:15]
3. In Galatians 4:4-5, what is the purpose of God sending His Son? How does this relate to the concept of adoption mentioned in the sermon? [52:52]
4. What does Romans 8:22-25 say about the current state of creation and believers? How does this passage describe the future hope? [01:00:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "redemption through His blood" in Ephesians 1:7 deepen our understanding of Jesus' sacrificial death? [46:14]
2. What does it mean for believers to live in the "already but not yet" reality of the Kingdom, as discussed in the sermon? [56:13]
3. How does understanding the "mystery of God's will" in Ephesians 1:9-10 impact a believer's view of their role in God's plan? [54:30]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that personal stories and struggles are redeemed through Christ? How does this shape our understanding of forgiveness and grace? [50:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the phrase "in Christ" and its significance in your life. How does this shared oneness with Jesus influence your daily actions and decisions? [43:56]
2. The sermon mentions that God's grace is "lavished" upon us. Can you identify a moment in your life where you felt overwhelmed by God's grace? How did it change you? [51:15]
3. Considering the "already but not yet" aspect of redemption, how can you live with hope and anticipation for God's ultimate plan? What practical steps can you take to keep this hope alive? [57:12]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding the mystery of God's will. How can you seek to understand and align yourself with God's plan in your daily life? [54:30]
5. Think about a personal struggle or sin that you have faced. How does the assurance of redemption through Christ's blood give you freedom and victory over this struggle? [50:26]
6. The concept of adoption into God's family is profound. How does knowing that you are chosen by God before the creation of the world affect your sense of identity and purpose? [52:52]
7. Reflect on the future hope described in Romans 8:22-25. How can this hope influence the way you handle current challenges and suffering? What specific actions can you take to live out this hope? [01:00:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Anchored in Christ
In Christ, believers find their true identity, which transcends all earthly labels and circumstances. This identity is not just a concept but a lived reality that influences every aspect of life, providing a sense of belonging and purpose that is rooted in the divine. Through this union with Jesus, one experiences the fullness of spiritual blessings and an unshakeable status as a child of God. [43:56]
Ephesians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
Reflection: How does your identity in Christ shape the way you view yourself and your interactions with others?
Day 2: Living in the Tension of Redemption
Redemption in Christ is a dynamic journey that spans the present and the future. Believers are called to live in the tension of the "already" and the "not yet," celebrating the freedom from sin's grip while anticipating the full realization of God's redemptive plan. This dual aspect of redemption offers a hope that is both comforting in the present and expectant of the glory to come. [57:12]
Romans 8:23-24 - "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved."
Reflection: In what ways do you experience the "already" and "not yet" of redemption in your daily life?
Day 3: The Extravagance of God's Grace
God's grace is not merely a drop in the ocean of human need; it is an overflowing fountain that covers every sin and empowers believers to live victoriously. This grace is lavished upon us, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. It is a grace that invites believers to step into a life of freedom and purpose, unburdened by past failures. [49:34]
Titus 3:5-7 - "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: Can you identify an area of your life where you need to more fully embrace and live out the grace that God has lavished upon you?
Day 4: Embracing the Mystery of God's Will
The mystery of God's will, once concealed, has now been revealed to believers. This divine plan, centered on uniting all things in Christ, offers a lens through which to view the world and our role within it. Understanding this mystery is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative revelation that shapes how believers engage with the world and participate in God's redemptive story. [43:06]
Ephesians 3:9-10 - "And to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: How does the revelation of God's will influence your understanding of your purpose and the way you approach your daily responsibilities?
Day 5: Chosen for Divine Adoption
Adoption into God's family is a profound expression of the gospel, signifying that believers are not just created by God but chosen by Him. This spiritual reality, secured through Jesus' work, affirms the believers' value and place in God's heart. The cross and the resurrection are not distant historical events but the means by which believers are brought into an intimate relationship with the Creator, with the promise of eternal inheritance. [52:52]
Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of being chosen by God for adoption. How does this truth impact your sense of self-worth and your relationships with others?
Quotes
"In Christ through his sacrificial death we have forgiveness; failed marriage redeemed through the blood, pornography addiction redeemed through the blood, jealousy and envy redeemed through the blood, gossip redeemed through the blood; your sin of choice, just name it, redeemed through the blood, all of it in total, in full, paid by the sacrificial death of Jesus." [49:34]
"In Christ you have Redemption; it is in Christ that you have Redemption; it's in Christ that you are redeemed." [45:33]
"I remind you, redemption speaks of the present experience we have right now—it's already—but verse 10 speaks of a day to come when all things under Earth and Heaven reach their fulfillment, already but not yet fully." [57:12]
"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." [43:06]
"God, before the creation of the world, chose the church to be adopted as Sons and Daughters... God's plan of adoption has now been made known." [54:30]
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