Understanding God's Will: Grace and Transformation in Ephesians

In Ephesians 1:1-2, we encounter the profound introduction by Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. This passage invites us to explore the concept of God's will, which can be understood in two distinct ways: the will of decree and the will of command. The will of decree refers to God's sovereign purpose that always comes to pass, while the will of command pertains to what God commands as morally right, which may not always be fulfilled by humans. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for interpreting various biblical passages and comprehending the nature of God's will.

Paul's apostleship is a testament to the will of decree. Before Paul was born, God had already purposed for him to be an apostle, despite his past as a persecutor of the church. This divine choice underscores the transformative power of God's grace and the hope it offers to even the most unlikely individuals. It serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's salvation.

The greeting in Ephesians 1:2, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," is not merely a formality. It signifies the impartation of grace through the reading and preaching of the Word. At the beginning of Paul's letters, "grace to you" indicates the grace being delivered through the message, while "grace be with you" at the end signifies the grace accompanying believers as they live out their faith in the world. This pattern is consistent across Paul's letters, emphasizing the ongoing presence and influence of grace in the lives of believers.

As we delve into the Word, we should anticipate the fresh grace that God imparts through His Spirit. This grace addresses our burdens, perplexities, and discouragements, offering divine influence for our good. It is a reminder that God's grace is not static but dynamic, working in unexpected ways to transform our lives and circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Understanding the distinction between God's will of decree and will of command is essential for interpreting Scripture. The will of decree is God's sovereign purpose that always comes to pass, while the will of command is what God desires morally, which may not always be fulfilled by humans. This understanding helps us navigate complex biblical passages and comprehend God's nature. [04:56]
• 2. Paul's apostleship exemplifies the will of decree. God chose Paul before he was born, despite his past as a persecutor, to demonstrate the transformative power of grace. This choice offers hope that no one is beyond God's salvation, highlighting the depth of God's mercy and purpose. [06:54]
• 3. The consistent pattern of "grace to you" at the beginning and "grace be with you" at the end of Paul's letters signifies the impartation and ongoing presence of grace. This structure emphasizes that grace is delivered through the Word and accompanies believers as they live out their faith. [13:20]
• 4. God's grace is dynamic and transformative, addressing our burdens and offering divine influence for our good. As we engage with Scripture, we should anticipate the fresh grace that God imparts through His Spirit, working in unexpected ways to transform our lives. [16:35]
• 5. The impartation of grace through the Word is a profound reality. As we listen and engage with Scripture, we should be open to the unique and special grace that God provides, addressing our specific needs and circumstances. This grace is a testament to God's love and His desire to work in our lives. [17:12]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:20] - Introduction to Ephesians
• [00:40] - Paul's Apostleship
• [01:33] - Understanding God's Will
• [02:15] - Will of Decree vs. Will of Command
• [03:43] - Examples of God's Will
• [05:11] - Paul's Calling and God's Purpose
• [06:00] - Paul's Testimony in Galatians
• [07:05] - Hope for the Worst of Sinners
• [08:01] - Sovereign Choice of Paul
• [09:16] - Implications of God's Will
• [10:27] - Command vs. Decree in Action
• [11:46] - Grace to You and Peace
• [12:58] - Consistent Pattern in Paul's Letters
• [14:04] - The Impartation of Grace
• [16:35] - Fresh Grace Through the Word

1. What are the two distinct meanings of "the will of God" as discussed in the sermon? How do these meanings help us understand Ephesians 1:1-2? [01:33]
2. How does Paul's apostleship serve as an example of God's will of decree? What evidence from Paul's life supports this? [06:00]
3. What is the significance of the greeting "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" in Ephesians 1:2? How does this greeting relate to the rest of Paul's letters? [11:46]
4. How does the sermon describe the dynamic nature of God's grace as believers engage with Scripture? [16:35]

1. How does understanding the distinction between God's will of decree and will of command help believers navigate complex biblical passages? [04:56]
2. In what ways does Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle demonstrate the transformative power of God's grace? How does this offer hope to believers today? [07:05]
3. What does the consistent pattern of "grace to you" at the beginning and "grace be with you" at the end of Paul's letters suggest about the role of grace in the life of a believer? [13:20]
4. How can believers anticipate and recognize the fresh grace that God imparts through His Spirit as they engage with Scripture? [16:35]

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand God's will in a situation. How might distinguishing between God's will of decree and will of command have provided clarity? [04:56]
2. Consider Paul's past as a persecutor and his calling as an apostle. How does this story challenge your understanding of who is "worthy" of God's grace and calling? [07:05]
3. How can you be more intentional in recognizing and receiving the grace imparted through the reading and preaching of the Word in your daily life? [11:46]
4. Identify a specific burden or perplexity you are currently facing. How can you open yourself to the dynamic and transformative grace of God to address this issue? [16:35]
5. Think about the greeting "Grace to you and peace" in your own interactions. How can you extend grace and peace to others in your community this week? [11:46]
6. How can you cultivate an expectation of encountering fresh grace as you engage with Scripture this week? What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind for this experience? [16:35]
7. Reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's grace working in unexpected ways. How can you share this testimony to encourage others in your small group? [17:12]