Bible Study The Book of Ephesians (J.D. Greear) Facilitated by Pastor Drew Lockerbie Sundays 10:15am

Summary

In this exploration of Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul emphasizes God's sovereign choice and love for believers before the foundation of the world. He addresses the theological implications of being chosen and predestined for adoption through Christ, encouraging Christians to live with assurance, hope, and boldness in sharing the gospel. Paul frames his message as a manual for survival in a hostile environment, underscoring that God's grace and purpose underpin the believer's identity and mission, empowering them to thrive despite trials.

Takeaways

• 😀 God's choosing of believers is a foundational theme in Ephesians, emphasizing that it occurred before the foundation of the world.
• 😀 The concept of predestination raises questions about free will and divine choice, yet the focus should be on the assurance of God's love.
• 😀 Ephesus was a culturally hostile environment for early Christians, making Paul's teachings particularly relevant for survival and thriving in faith.
• 😀 Salvation is primarily initiated and accomplished by God, providing believers with a sense of assurance about their salvation.
• 😀 God's choice of individuals is not based on their inherent qualities or merits but is solely due to His love and purpose.
• 😀 The metaphor of adoption illustrates how believers become part of God's family and beneficiaries of His grace and inheritance.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of believers' salvation and transformation, highlighting God's ongoing work in their lives.
• 😀 Believers can face trials with hope, knowing that God orchestrates all circumstances for their ultimate good.
• 😀 The assurance of being chosen empowers believers to boldly share the gospel, trusting that God has a plan for salvation.
• 😀 It is essential to focus on obedience in sharing Christ rather than getting lost in theological debates about divine choice.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Ephesians 1?

Ephesians 1 primarily focuses on God's sovereign choice of believers, the spiritual blessings in Christ, and the implications of predestination for Christian living.

How does Paul describe God's choice of believers?

Paul describes God's choice as occurring before the foundation of the world, emphasizing that it is not based on human merit but purely out of God's love and purpose.

What does the term 'predestination' mean in this context?

In this context, 'predestination' refers to God's predetermined plan to adopt believers as His children through Jesus Christ, according to His will.

Why is the concept of being 'chosen' significant for Christians?

Being 'chosen' provides believers with assurance of their salvation, as it underscores that their relationship with God is initiated and sustained by His grace.

What role does the Holy Spirit play according to Ephesians 1?

The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of believers' inheritance, indicating that God will fulfill His promises of salvation and transformation in their lives.

How does Paul suggest Christians should respond to trials?

Paul encourages Christians to face trials with hope, knowing that God is working through all circumstances for their good and His glory.

What is the relationship between God's choice and human free will in this passage?

Paul asserts that God's choice does not violate human free will; rather, God's drawing and human response to the gospel work in harmony.

How can believers find boldness in evangelism based on this passage?

Believers can find boldness in evangelism by trusting that God has already determined who will believe, empowering them to share the gospel confidently.

What metaphor does Paul use to illustrate God's work in believers' lives?

Paul uses the metaphor of a tapestry, suggesting that while life may seem chaotic from our perspective, God is weaving a beautiful and purposeful picture.

What ultimate purpose does Paul identify for believers in Ephesians 1?

Paul identifies the ultimate purpose for believers as bringing praise to God's glory through their lives, reflecting His grace and love in a hostile world.