Ephesians 1:11-14

Ephesians #3 - Message Recap!

Ephesians 1:11-14 is a powerful passage that speaks to the sovereignty of God and the security of our salvation. In this passage, Paul writes:

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.

Here are a few key takeaways from this passage:

Our salvation is secure
One of the most encouraging aspects of this passage is the assurance it gives us regarding the security of our salvation. Paul emphasizes that we have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. This means that our salvation is not something that can be lost or taken away. We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, and our inheritance is secure until we acquire possession of it.

God is sovereign
Another important theme in this passage is the sovereignty of God. Paul emphasizes that God works all things according to the counsel of his will. This means that every aspect of our lives is under God's control. Even when things seem chaotic or uncertain, we can trust that God is working all things for our ultimate good and his glory.

We exist for God's glory
Finally, this passage emphasizes that we exist for the praise of God's glory.  The first fourteen verses of Ephesians 1 are a reminder to praise God for all that He has done.   Paul writes that both Jews and Gentiles were predestined to hope in Christ so that they might be to the praise of his glory. Similarly, Paul emphasizes that our salvation is ultimately for the praise of his glory. This means that our lives should be lived in such a way that they bring glory to God.  This was all accomplished “In Him”

My landing points from this past Sunday were:

1. In Him
   1. We are chosen
   2. We have redemption
   3. We have an inheritance
   4. We have been sealed
2. Security!
   1. God has a sovereign plan
   2. God has sealed you through the Holy Spirit
      1. This means His ownership
      2. This is a sign of authenticity
         Do you believe God has a plan do you believe in God’s power in your life
3. Perspective
   1. Our inheritance needs to change our perspective to the long game
      1. An inheritance should create a future hope which creates a present peace
      2. Future security must change our affections towards the eternal