The Plan
Question of the day:
Good morning class. This morning we continue our study in Ephesians with a few more verses in Chapter 1. I hope you had a chance to read some in this book this past week.
We will start by just reading together verse 5 through 14.
In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Right off verses 5 and 6 can be challenging. But I see here a beautiful sandwich. What do the first two words tell us?
What are the characteristics of Love?
Now skip forward, what is the other piece of bread in this sandwich?
Love and Grace
Actually it is Love and Grace (from Love)
There is no question this word predestined can give us heartburn, however when faced with a challenging question I always answer what do I know. So in verses 5 and 6 what do I know?
We know that love is a choice. Love can't be forced or taken or it isn't love. Grace, we know grace is freely given to all. In Titus 2:11 it says, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."
We KNOW Jesus didn't come and die for just a few that he chose and not for others.
So then how do we take this word "predestined?"
This predestined I believe is speaking of the fact that before the beginning of time he chose us. He who knows the end from the beginning, knew that we would choose sin, and he chose and implemented a plan that would restore us to Him if we choose. The predestined is what he does. Before time he planned for us. We were predestined to be adopted by Him, but with the sandwich of grace and love we can easily and rightly say, we were predestined to be adopted by Him if we so choose.
This is a chapter where if we make it about us we loose the beauty! This chapter is all about God. All about what he has done. All about laying the foundation for us, but this is NOT about us!
I would like us to read it again. This time, I want you to intentionally read it as being all about God and NOT about you.
Does that change it for you?
How do these statements about what God has done, what He has prepared for you, what opportunities you have because of Him, impact you?
How do they impact our lives and how we live?
I love events. I love huge lavish extravagant events. Not just for the sake of the event, but it is fun planning for someone or some group of people. Letting them know that they are special, thought about, planned for.
I am currently working on the women's retreat at Nosoca that will be held in October. In the planning process with my amazing team, we are working on getting every tiny little detail just right. Here is the thing, each and every detail has a purpose. Each and every detail is there for a reason. Sometimes the reason is so that they feel welcome, sometimes it is so they feel safe, or maybe so that they can be themselves. Long before the women in the Carolina Conference even knew an event was happening we were planning. Long before they sign up we are praying for them.
All this planning, thought and love that has gone into the event, is great and for them, but they may chose not to come. They may chose not to participate.
God has planned before the beginning of the world for you!
He has thought of every single little detail knowing your life, your circumstances, your heart. He has chosen you, but not forced you!
When I plan events perhaps most importantly I want all those who come to from the moment they arrive, KNOW that they were planned for! Why?
How do you feel when you know someone has planned and prepared for you?
Paul in this beautiful chapter is telling you how you were not just thought of or known about before the beginning of time, but you were planned for. Huge unimaginable sacrifices were set in place for you.
KNOW LOVE.
LIVE LOVE.
SHARE LOVE.
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