Understanding God's Sovereign Grace and Eternal Purpose

 

Summary

In this exploration of Ephesians, we delve into the profound truths of God's eternal purpose and the glory of His grace. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, uses terms that are not only significant but essential for a deep understanding of the Gospel. These terms, such as predestination and inheritance, are not merely theological concepts but are vital to grasping the full scope of God's plan for humanity. Paul reiterates these terms to emphasize their importance, moving from a general view of God's purpose to its specific application to us as believers.

The sermon challenges us to approach these profound doctrines without prejudice, urging us to rid ourselves of preconceived notions and to submit our minds entirely to Scripture. This submission requires us to set aside philosophical reasoning and to accept the mysteries of God's will with humility. The Apostle Paul reminds us that God's ways are beyond our understanding, and our role is to receive His revelation with faith and trust.

Central to this message is the glory of God. Every aspect of salvation, from its inception to its fulfillment, is designed to bring glory to God. Our understanding of salvation should reflect this truth, ensuring that all glory is attributed to God alone, without any reservation for ourselves. This perspective is not only a New Testament theme but is also deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God's dealings with Israel were for His name's sake and His glory.

Paul's teaching underscores that our salvation is entirely of God, not based on our works or merit. It is a gift of grace, predetermined by God's will. This understanding provides us with assurance and comfort, knowing that our place in God's plan is secure because it is rooted in His eternal purpose.

Key Takeaways:

- Approaching Scripture Without Prejudice: We must approach the Bible with an open heart, free from preconceived notions, allowing God's Word to speak to us directly. This requires humility and a willingness to let go of our biases, recognizing that our understanding is limited and God's wisdom is infinite. [14:26]

- Submission to God's Revelation: True understanding comes from submitting our minds to God's revelation, rather than imposing our philosophical ideas on Scripture. This submission acknowledges that some aspects of God's will are beyond human comprehension and are meant to be received by faith. [17:11]

- The Glory of God in Salvation: The ultimate test of our understanding of salvation is whether it glorifies God entirely. Our salvation is not based on our merit but is a testament to God's grace and purpose, designed to bring Him glory. [21:25]

- Predestination and Assurance: The doctrine of predestination assures us that our place in God's plan is secure, not because of our actions, but because of God's eternal purpose. This provides comfort and confidence in our faith journey. [33:26]

- God's Sovereign Purpose: God's purpose in salvation is entirely His own, uninfluenced by external factors. It is a divine plan conceived in eternity, highlighting God's sovereignty and the depth of His love for us. [30:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:50] - Introduction to Key Terms
- [09:39] - Predestination and Inheritance
- [10:26] - God's Purpose in General and Specific
- [11:18] - Avoiding Prejudice in Understanding
- [12:56] - Facing Controversial Truths
- [14:26] - The Danger of Prejudice
- [15:13] - Submitting to Scripture
- [16:29] - Philosophy vs. Revelation
- [18:19] - The Mystery of God's Mind
- [20:27] - The Glory of God
- [22:02] - Salvation by Grace
- [24:03] - New Testament Themes
- [25:54] - Old Testament Parallels
- [27:36] - God's Sovereign Will
- [30:09] - God's Purpose and Counsel
- [33:26] - Predestination and Assurance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:4-5
2. Romans 9:20-21
3. 1 Corinthians 2:14

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key terms that Paul uses in Ephesians 1:4-5, and why are they significant for understanding the Gospel? [09:39]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between a general view of God's purpose and its specific application to believers? [10:26]

3. According to the sermon, what is the danger of approaching Scripture with prejudice? [14:26]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of predestination in relation to God's eternal purpose? [33:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers should approach Scripture without prejudice, and why is this important for understanding God's will? [14:26]

2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's glory and our understanding of salvation? What implications does this have for how we view our own role in salvation? [21:25]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of philosophical reasoning versus submission to God's revelation in understanding the mysteries of God's will? [17:11]

4. How does the sermon explain the assurance and comfort that come from understanding predestination as part of God's eternal purpose? [33:26]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you approached Scripture with preconceived notions. How can you practice approaching the Bible with an open heart and mind this week? [14:26]

2. Consider how you view your own salvation. Do you find yourself attributing any part of it to your own merit? How can you shift your perspective to give all glory to God? [21:25]

3. Think about a situation where you relied on philosophical reasoning rather than faith to understand God's will. How can you practice submitting your mind to God's revelation in future situations? [17:11]

4. How does the concept of predestination provide you with comfort and assurance in your faith journey? In what ways can you remind yourself of this assurance during challenging times? [33:26]

5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to accept the mysteries of God's will. What steps can you take to embrace these mysteries with humility and faith? [18:19]

6. Reflect on how you can actively glorify God in your daily life. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that your life reflects the glory of God in all aspects? [21:25]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to approach Scripture without prejudice and with a focus on God's glory? What role can you play in fostering this mindset? [14:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Approaching Scripture with an Open Heart
Approaching the Bible without prejudice is essential for a true understanding of God's Word. This means setting aside preconceived notions and biases, allowing Scripture to speak directly to us. It requires humility and a recognition that our human understanding is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom. By doing so, we open ourselves to the profound truths and mysteries of God's will, which are meant to be received with faith and trust. This approach not only deepens our relationship with God but also enriches our spiritual journey. [14:26]

"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: What preconceived notions or biases might you be holding onto that could hinder your understanding of Scripture? How can you intentionally set these aside today to allow God's Word to speak to you more clearly?


Day 2: Submitting to God's Revelation
True understanding of God's will comes from submitting our minds to His revelation, rather than imposing our philosophical ideas on Scripture. This submission acknowledges that some aspects of God's will are beyond human comprehension and are meant to be received by faith. By embracing this posture of humility, we allow God's wisdom to guide us, trusting that His plans are for our ultimate good and His glory. This mindset challenges us to let go of our need for control and to trust in God's sovereign purpose. [17:11]

"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: In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than submitting to God's revelation? How can you practice trusting in His wisdom today?


Day 3: The Glory of God in Salvation
The ultimate test of our understanding of salvation is whether it glorifies God entirely. Our salvation is not based on our merit but is a testament to God's grace and purpose, designed to bring Him glory. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to God, recognizing that every aspect of salvation, from its inception to its fulfillment, is meant to honor Him. By embracing this truth, we align our lives with God's purpose, living in a way that reflects His glory to the world. [21:25]

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" (Psalm 115:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your understanding and expression of salvation bring glory to God alone? What practical steps can you take today to reflect His glory in your life?


Day 4: Predestination and Assurance
The doctrine of predestination assures us that our place in God's plan is secure, not because of our actions, but because of God's eternal purpose. This understanding provides comfort and confidence in our faith journey, knowing that our salvation is rooted in God's will. It challenges us to trust in His sovereignty and to find peace in the assurance that He has chosen us for His purposes. This assurance empowers us to live boldly for Him, confident in His love and grace. [33:26]

"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 the assurance of being part of God's eternal plan impact your daily life and decisions? In what ways can you live more confidently in this assurance today?


Day 5: God's Sovereign Purpose
God's purpose in salvation is entirely His own, uninfluenced by external factors. It is a divine plan conceived in eternity, highlighting God's sovereignty and the depth of His love for us. This understanding calls us to marvel at His wisdom and to trust in His perfect plan, even when we cannot see the full picture. By embracing God's sovereign purpose, we find peace in His control and are inspired to live in alignment with His will, knowing that His plans are for our ultimate good. [30:09]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding God's sovereign purpose change your perspective on the challenges you face? What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with His divine plan?

Quotes

"Paul reiterates these terms to emphasize their importance, moving from a general view of God's purpose to its specific application to us as believers. In verses four and five, the apostle was taking a general view of God's purpose. He was looking at it as it were from that Eternal standpoint." [00:10:24]

"Isn't there a danger of our avoiding these great terms because of certain associations? It seems to me this is something of which we are Christian people and need to be very wary at this present hour. There are certain aspects of New Testament truth which are just not been considered at all because there is an element of controversy attached to them." [00:11:51]

"Everything in this book God means us to study and to face whether it's difficult or simple, whether it's involved in controversy or whether it isn't. To say peace at any price at the expense of God's revealed truth is surely an insult to God. These matters have to be faced whether it be the truth concerning prophecy or whether it be the truth concerning these high matters of Doctrine." [00:13:01]

"We all start with prejudices. We take up positions and having taken them up, we argue for them and we defend them. I've always said this, perhaps my parents said it before me or somebody else, and therefore I stand. Now it often happens that we really have never considered the scriptures concerning these matters." [00:13:37]

"We must submit ourselves and our minds entirely to the scripture. What I mean by that is this: that I must make a positive effort of the mind to come to the scripture as if I knew nothing, that I allow the scripture to speak to me instead of my reading my thoughts into the scripture." [00:15:06]

"Most people who reject the gospel of Salvation do so simply because they say I cannot understand. They're not technical philosophers, but they're speaking philosophically. Well, I say it is of vital importance if we are to submit our minds to the scripture and their Revelation that we cease to think philosophically." [00:17:15]

"We are face to face with something here which is the mystery of God's Eternal mind, and it's so high above us that we shouldn't even begin to try to understand it. We just humbly come to it and look at it and receive it. If you therefore try to have a final understanding of these matters or to be able to reconcile certain things intellectually, you are not only doomed to failure." [00:18:29]

"The ultimate test of every view of Salvation is this test of the glory of God. If you want to know whether your view of Salvation is truly scriptural, test it by that test. Does it give all the glory to God, or is just a little reserved for you or for me or for somebody else?" [00:21:21]

"Salvation comes to us In Spite of Ourselves. We are nothing. We are not Christians because of our particular character or because of something that we have done. No, no, it is all of God. It's the apostles' great theme, you remember, in the second chapter where he puts it like this: for by grace are he saved through faith and that not of yourselves." [00:22:48]

"God's purpose of restoring this Unity, this harmony, and of doing so in terms of certain people before the foundation of the world, that is the great purpose which God has conceived, and it is his purpose. It starts with him, it originates with him." [00:27:09]

"The purpose according to the counsel of his own will, no suggestion, no hint, no something happening to which God reacts, not at all. Everything begins in God, everything originates in God, everything comes out of God, the counsel of his own will." [00:30:43]

"God thought of me, he thought of you there in that Eternal Council of his own will. He didn't merely conceive the plan, he saw you in it. We, says Paul, we Jews who first trusted in Christ, you also who got a part of this inheritance. God has predetermined that we should be in it." [00:33:35]

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Transcript
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