Lavish Grace: God’s Purpose to Unite All Things

Devotional

Day 1: Lavished Grace: God’s Extravagant Gift in Christ

God’s grace is not given sparingly or with reservation, but is poured out upon us in abundance, overflowing from His limitless love. This grace is not something we could ever earn or deserve; it is not based on our merit, our works, or our status, but is a free gift given through Jesus Christ. God has “pushed all in,” holding nothing back, giving His very Son for us. In Christ, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven, all to the praise of His glorious grace. Let your heart rest in the assurance that God’s grace toward you is lavish, not wasteful, and is the foundation of your identity and hope. [41:27]

Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV)
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, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 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. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that God’s grace is truly lavish and not limited—how might you open your heart to receive His extravagant love today?

Day 2: The Mystery Revealed: Christ at the Center of God’s Will

God’s will is not a hidden puzzle, but a mystery that has now been revealed in Christ. Throughout history, God’s plan was foreshadowed and promised, but now, through Jesus, we see the fulfillment of all prophecy and the unity of Scripture’s story. From the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, all point to Christ as the one way of salvation. God has opened our minds to understand the Scriptures, showing us that His will is to redeem and unite all things in Christ, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. [47:13]

Luke 24:44-45 (ESV)
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Reflection: As you read the Bible this week, where do you see Christ revealed in passages you may have previously overlooked—how does this change the way you approach Scripture?

Day 3: Adopted and Restored: Brought into God’s Family

Just as King David sought out Mephibosheth to show him kindness for the sake of a covenant, so God seeks us out, not because of anything we have done, but because of His covenantal love. We are brought from hiding and helplessness into the family of God, given a place at His table, and restored to relationship and inheritance. Our adoption is not based on our worthiness, but on God’s faithfulness to His promises, and we are now called sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and lights to the world. [48:22]

Romans 8:15-17 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the welcome and restoration of God’s family—how can you extend that invitation or kindness to them this week?

Day 4: Living for God’s Glory: Our Purpose and Mission

Our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, living out the great commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are also called to the great commission: to go and make disciples, teaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not a burdensome duty, but a joyful response to God’s lavish grace, as we live for His glory and the good of others, shining His light in the world. [51:07]

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally love God or your neighbor today, reflecting His glory in your actions?

Day 5: United in Christ: God’s Eternal Plan for All Creation

God’s plan, set before the foundation of the world, is to unite all things in Christ—things in heaven and things on earth. This plan has never changed, and it encompasses not only the redemption of people but the restoration of all creation, which now groans for freedom and renewal. In the fullness of time, God will gather His people and renew the heavens and the earth, where there will be no more pain or weeping, and all will be made whole in Christ. Let this hope anchor your soul as you look forward to the day when all is united in Him. [56:08]

Romans 8:19-21 (ESV)
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Reflection: How does the promise of God’s ultimate restoration of all things in Christ shape the way you view your present struggles and the world around you today?

Sermon Summary

Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:3-14 remind us of the overwhelming, extravagant grace God has poured out on us in Christ. Before the world began, God chose us—not because of anything we had done, but out of His own love and purpose. He predestined us for adoption, making us part of His family, giving us a new relationship with Himself, with one another, and with the world. This is not a result of our merit or effort, but a gift of grace that is truly lavish—overflowing, generous, and never wasteful.

We are all on a journey of understanding these deep truths. Some of us are eager to dive into the complexities of God’s sovereignty and salvation, while others are still wrestling with questions and doubts. That’s okay. We are all in process, and God welcomes us wherever we are on the mountain of faith. It’s good and right to examine what we’ve always believed, to hold it up to the light of Scripture, and to let God shape our understanding.

God’s grace is not only abundant, but it is wise and purposeful. He has revealed the mystery of His will to us—not as a hidden puzzle, but as a story that has been unfolding since the beginning. The Old Testament foreshadowed Christ, and now, through Jesus, we see the fullness of God’s plan: redemption, adoption, and inheritance for His people. Stories like Mephibosheth and Hosea point us to the heart of God, who seeks out the lost, restores the broken, and brings us to His table.

This grace is given according to God’s purpose, set forth in Christ. Our election, adoption, redemption, and inheritance are all for the praise of His glory. Our response is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, living out the great commandment to love God and neighbor, and the great commission to make disciples. God’s plan is not just for us individually, but for all creation—to unite all things in Christ, bringing restoration and peace to a broken world.

None of this is accidental or reactionary. God’s plan has always been to redeem and unite His people and His creation in Christ. Even our rebellion and the world’s brokenness are not surprises to Him. The story ends with all things—heaven and earth—united in Christ, where there is no more pain or sorrow, only the fullness of God’s glory and grace.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Grace Is Extravagant, Not Frivolous God’s grace is not given sparingly or wastefully, but with overflowing abundance. He holds nothing back, giving us everything in Christ—not because we deserve it, but because of His love. This challenges us to see ourselves not as barely forgiven, but as lavishly loved, and to rest in the security of His generosity. [40:56]
2. The Mystery of God’s Will Is Revealed in Christ What was once veiled in the Old Testament is now made clear through Jesus. The story of redemption, hinted at in ancient stories and prophecies, finds its fulfillment in Christ. We are invited to read all of Scripture through the lens of Jesus, seeing God’s single, unified plan of salvation. [46:36]
3. Our Identity and Purpose Are Rooted in God’s Covenant We are chosen, adopted, redeemed, and given an inheritance—not by our own doing, but because of God’s covenantal love. Like Mephibosheth, we are sought out and brought to the King’s table, not for our merit, but because of God’s faithfulness. This shapes our identity and calls us to live for His glory. [48:02]
4. God’s Plan Is Cosmic and Unchanging From before creation to the new heavens and new earth, God’s plan has always been to unite all things in Christ. Our salvation is part of a much larger story of cosmic restoration. Even creation itself longs for this fulfillment, reminding us that God’s grace is bigger than our individual stories. [54:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:08] - Reading Ephesians 1:3-14
[32:01] - Theological “Double Black Diamond” Slopes
[32:57] - Personal Journey and Wrestling with Doctrine
[34:12] - The Problem of Limited Atonement
[35:36] - The Mountain of Election
[36:32] - Adoption and New Relationships
[36:52] - Redemption and Forgiveness
[37:55] - Lavish Grace: Introduction
[39:30] - What Does “Lavish” Mean?
[40:56] - God’s Grace: Not Frivolous, But Abundant
[42:23] - The Mystery of God’s Will
[44:02] - Mephibosheth: A Picture of Grace
[45:50] - Hosea and the Redeeming Love of God
[46:36] - Christ Reveals God’s Plan
[47:39] - Grace According to God’s Purpose
[48:55] - Our Inheritance and the King’s Table
[51:21] - God’s Plan to Unite All Things
[54:07] - The Eternal Plan and Cosmic Restoration
[56:08] - All Things United in Christ
[56:51] - Closing Prayer and Thanksgiving
[57:39] - Benediction and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV) — 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, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 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. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 1:3-14, what are some of the specific blessings God has given us in Christ?
How does Paul describe the way God gives grace to us? What words or phrases does he use to show the nature of this grace?
In the sermon, what Old Testament stories were mentioned as pictures of God’s grace and redemption? ([44:02] and [45:50])
What does Paul say is the ultimate purpose of our election, adoption, redemption, and inheritance? ([49:40])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says God’s grace is “lavish”—overflowing, generous, and not based on our merit. What does it mean for someone to see themselves as “lavishly loved” instead of “barely forgiven”? How might this change a person’s relationship with God? ([40:56])
The “mystery of God’s will” is said to be revealed in Christ. Why do you think Paul calls it a “mystery,” and how does Jesus make it clear? ([42:23])
The story of Mephibosheth was used as an illustration. In what ways does Mephibosheth’s experience reflect our own spiritual story with God? ([44:02])
The sermon says God’s plan is “cosmic and unchanging,” stretching from before creation to the new heavens and new earth. How does knowing you are part of a much bigger story affect the way you see your own life and struggles? ([54:07])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about being “in process” and wrestling with questions or doubts about faith. Where are you right now on your own “mountain of faith”? Is there a belief or question you are currently wrestling with? How can the group support you as you seek answers? ([32:25])
God’s grace is described as not just enough, but extravagant. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe God’s grace is truly abundant for you? What would it look like to rest in the security of His generosity this week? ([40:56])
The story of Mephibosheth shows someone who was sought out, restored, and given a seat at the king’s table. Can you think of a time when you felt unworthy but were shown unexpected kindness or acceptance? How does this shape the way you view God’s invitation to you? ([48:02])
The sermon said our response to God’s grace is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and to live out the great commandment and great commission. What is one practical way you can love God or your neighbor this week? ([50:32])
God’s plan is to unite all things in Christ and bring restoration to a broken world. Is there a relationship, situation, or area in your life where you long to see God’s restoration? How might you join God’s work of bringing peace or healing there? ([54:07])
The sermon encouraged us to examine what we’ve always believed and let God shape our understanding. Is there a belief or tradition you’ve held that you feel God might be inviting you to re-examine in light of Scripture? ([35:17])
The sermon mentioned that even creation itself is longing for restoration. How does this bigger picture of God’s plan for all creation change the way you pray, hope, or act in the world? ([55:12])

Sermon Clips

So, the last week we trekked up the mountain of redemption. And this is where God's son has redeemed us from our sin. And from our slavery. And our bondage to sin. Why? Because we can't pay that ransom. Christ came and paid in full price for our sin. To appease the wrath of God. And so, from now on and forevermore. Our record of sin is marked in red. Paid in full. This means that we are forgiven forever. [00:36:54] (43 seconds) #RedeemedAndForgiven

So, the question is, when God lavishes grace and love on us, is it frivolous? If it's lavish, is it frivolous? Is it wasteful? No. God is not frivolous, and he is not wasteful. See, when he gives us his love and his grace, it's out of his abundance. He bestows it to us in extravagance and overflowing in a generous way. See, he's not holding anything back. Actually, he's pushed all in. [00:40:27] (45 seconds) #GraceNotWasteful

Have you ever heard that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son? He's pushed all in. We are receiving lavish grace. See, this grace is not based on anything we've done. It's not based on merit. We haven't earned it. It's not because we're better than anyone else. It's just because God has lavished his grace. [00:41:13] (32 seconds) #AllInGrace

See, how did God lavish his grace in all wisdom and insight, revealing to us the mystery of his will? Through Christ. Luke 24 says, And Jesus said to them, These are my words, that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. There is only one storyline from beginning to end. One way to salvation. One gospel. And that's by grace alone. Through faith alone. In Christ alone. [00:46:27] (53 seconds) #ChosenAndRestored

God has lavished his grace upon us for the purpose he set forth in Christ. The purpose he set forth in Christ is our election, our adoption, our redemption, and even our inheritance. These things are all for Christ and for his glory. See, Romans 11 tells us, For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory. [00:49:06] (37 seconds) #EternalCovenant

Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind. And the second is like the first. Love your neighbor as yourself. And then the great commission. All power and authority has been given to me. In heaven and earth. Go. And make disciples. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to obey all that I have commanded. And I will be with you. To the close of the age. That's it. That's what we're supposed to do. Love God. Love others. Make disciples. [00:50:32] (45 seconds) #UnitedInChrist

So God's plan for us has spanned the fullness of time. Since before the foundations of the world, the Trinity has agreed in the covenant of redemption. This is where the Father agrees to send the Son. And the Son agrees to come, live a perfect life, die an atoning death, and be a resurrection for our redemption. Then the Spirit, the Father and Son send the Spirit to live amongst their people, to sanctify them, to look more like Christ. [00:53:23] (43 seconds)

And the plan doesn't stop there. The plan continues on to past time, when we are gathered in the new heavens and the new earth, united as one in the body of Christ for His glory. There's only been one plan. It has never changed. It's never been altered. See, Adam's sin was not a surprise. Our rebellion is not a surprise. There has been a covenant in place before the foundations of the world to redeem us, to redeem God's children. [00:54:07] (42 seconds)

See, the culmination of God's plan is to unite all things in Him. All things, not all creatures. We know that those that don't believe and the fallen angels will be separated and will receive God's justice. But man's sin was not the only thing that was separated from God on that faithful day in the garden. All of creation is now moaning because it's crying out in death and decay. [00:54:49] (39 seconds)

This has always been God's plan, that all creation would be united in Christ. Let me close with this. All of this, all of this has been made possible only through Christ. You see, the revealing of God's mysterious will is through Christ. God's purpose for our election, our adoption, our redemption, and even our inheritance is through the works of Christ. And God's plan is to unite all that are in Christ. You see, this is lavished grace. [00:56:08] (48 seconds)

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