Mysteries Revealed

Introduction

Summarize:

We have been redeemed so that we can know God’s will

This mystery is revealed so that we can take action.

Exposition

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.

Explanation

Verse 7-Last week: We have been redeemed and forgiven.

Reconciliation is modeled for us by God’s sacrificial forgiveness.

Forgiveness is modeled for us by God’s enduring atonement.

Grace is modeled for us by God’s infinite generosity.

Verse 8 - This redemption has been lavished upon us (Showered on us in abundance)

Verse 9 - God redeems us to reveal the mystery of His will. (Mystery: a previously hidden truth unveiled by God’s revelation)

Verse 10 - The purpose is to unite all things in Him. What does that mean?

Does that mean God will save everyone? Even within this passage there is no support for that, Paul is speaking TO the saints ABOUT the saints.

Unite: to be encompassed/summarized. All things are defined by their relationship to Jesus.

Application

The Mystery of God’s Purpose

Ask yourself this question: Is God’s Purpose to exalt and praise Himself? Or is God’s purpose to exalt and praise mankind?

Ephesians 1:6 ESV

6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:12 ESV

12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14 ESV

14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

God’s purpose is to Glorify Himself.

We balk at that truth because you don’t like the people in your life who constantly put the spotlight on themselves.

The miracle of water into wine.

John 2:11 ESV

11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

The Mystery of God’s Plan

We often think about God’s Plan in terms of God’s plan for us.

What is God’s plan for Himself?

To be praised and glorified

To summarize everything in creation according to its relationship with Him

To be on the throne forever

Isaiah 6:1 ESV

1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Revelation 21:5–7 ESV

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

The Mystery of God’s Punishment

We have undergone a huge shift in our world about how God is perceived.

FROM: God is a god of wrath

TO: God is a god of love

We know He is both, but we are in a world that would deny a God with any sort of Wrath. This concept is universalism and it is not supported in scripture. Continue what we just read in Re 21:5-7.

Revelation 21:8 ESV

8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Call to Action

First Application Point Action: If the purpose of God is to praise and glorify Himself, we must praise and glorify Him. Speak to and teach one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

Second Application Point Action: If God’s plan is to unite everything to Himself, we must know our relationship to Him and help others see their relationship with Him. (Who are you inviting into your life to discuss the wonders of God?)

Third Application Point Action: If God will punish anyone outside of Christ, we must go to them and share how they can be saved.

Invite them into your friendship

Invite them into your church social circle

Invite them to invite others

Response: Salvation/Baptism/Recommit/New Ministry