7_16_2023 - Ephesians 1:7-10 - God's Plan

(Opening Prayer)

(Sermon Introduction)

Today we continue our “Ephesians” series.

(AG Reminder)

Central is an Assembly of God church. For more information on our AG beliefs and positions feel free to check out the “What We Believe” link on the Central App, visit the website, or stop by the office.

(Ephesians Context)

The books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are what we call the “Prison Epistles.”

Paul is writing Ephesians during his first imprisonment in Rome around 60 AD (recorded in Acts 28).

Like Colossians, this letter was carried to the province of Asia by Tychicus (Eph. 6:20-21).

This explains the similarity of doctrinal content, the same ideas being fresh in the apostle’s mind as he wrote these letters.

On Paul’s second missionary journey he planted the church of Ephesus (Acts 18:19).

On his third missionary journey Paul pastored the church of Ephesus for three years (Acts 20:31).

Paul finishes his third missionary journey and stops in Ephesus to say goodbye as he made his way to Jerusalem and ultimately to prison in Rome where he is writing this letter to them.

Paul started his letter out speaking of his call to be an “apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (Eph. 1:1).

(Series Recap and Sermon Title)

We began our series focusing our attention on Ephesians 1:1-2 and “God’s Desires,” described by Paul as “The Will of God.”

Pastor Robby spoke last week about on Ephesians 1:3-6 and how God has “chosen” those who believe.

Today we are focusing on Ephesians 1:7-10 and “God’s Plan.”

Ephesians 1:7–10 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

1. GOD’S PLAN IS REDEMPTION

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

(Redemption Definition)

Redemption — apŏlutrōsis — ἀπολύτρωσις

G629. ap-ol-oo´-tro-sis; from a compound of G575 and G3083; (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (fig.) riddance, or (spec.) Chr. salvation:— deliverance, redemption.

G575. ἀπό apŏ, apŏ´; a primary particle; “off,” i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; lit. or fig.):— (× here-) after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for (-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-) on (-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

G3083. λύτρον lutrŏn, loo´-tron; from G3089; something to loosen with, i.e. a redemption price (fig. atonement):— ransom.

G3089. λύω luō, loo´-o; a primary verb; to “loosen” (lit. or fig.):— break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-) loose, melt, put off.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words G629, G575, G3083, and G3089.

Redemption is the act of setting someone free by breaking the agreement by way of payment.

God bought your freedom from the agreement with the devil through the blood of Jesus.

Paul when speaking to the church of Corinth about the importance of running from sexual sin reminds them of this truth:

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Isaiah 43:1–3a (ESV)

1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

2. GOD’S PLAN IS FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

(Forgiveness Definition)

Forgiveness — aphĕsis — ἄφεσις

G859. from G863; freedom; (fig.) pardon:— deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.

G863. ἀφίημι aphiēmi, af-ee´-ay-mee; from G575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send; an intens. form of εἶμι ĕimi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):— cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

G575. ἀπό apŏ, apŏ´; a primary particle; “off,” i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; lit. or fig.):— (× here-) after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for (-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-) on (-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words G859, G863, and G575.

Forgiveness is the pardoning of an offender without inflicting punishment.

God forgave us of our trespasses through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ took our punishment.

Romans 3:22-28 (NLT)

22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,

26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.

28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

(Instrumental)

(Instrumental Music)

3. GOD’S PLAN IS JESUS

Ephesians 1:10 (ESV)

10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

(Fullness Context & Defintion)

Fullness — plērōma — πλήρωμα

G4138. from 4137; repletion or completion, i.e. (subj.) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (obj.) what is filled (as container, performance, period):— which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness.

G4137. πληρόω plērŏō, play-rŏ´-o; to make replete, i.e. (lit.) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (fig.) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:— accomplish, × after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words G4138 and G4137.

Paul uses this same exact word in Colossians 1:19:

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV)

Colossians 1:19–20 (ESV)

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

God’s plan comes together in the God-Man, Jesus Christ.

The plan of God finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Jesus was the plan of the Godhead all along.

Jesus was not plan B, He was plan A.

One of the beautiful components of the gospel is the choice of God from the beginning to redeem and forgive mankind.

But the only way we experience His redemption and forgiveness is by the grace of God received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1–2 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:6–9 (ESV)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

The plan of God is redemption: He desires to set you free by the blood of Jesus from the grasp of the enemy.

The plan of God is forgiveness: He desires to wipe your record of sin clean because of the love and grace He has for you.

The plan of God is Jesus: He desires for you to experience a life-changing relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, the Savior sent to save you, redeem you, and forgive you.

(Sermon Recap)

GOD’S PLAN:

GOD’S PLAN IS REDEMPTION

GOD’S PLAN IS FORGIVENESS

GOD’S PLAN IS JESUS

(Challenge)

(Closing Blessing)

Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;

25 The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.

26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

(Response Card)

(Response)

(Invite Prayer Team)