An Inheritance of Crowns

Introduction

Summarize:

Our inheritance and what we use our inheritance are for are detailed here.

We remember that this is not something we earn, but what has already been done according to the work of the Spirit

Exposition

Ephesians 1:11–14 ESV

11 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, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 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, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Author: Paul

Audience: All the saints

Content: God decides to give us an inheritance according to his own will, not our earning it.

Context: All the work has already been done according to the work of the Spirit in us. This is not something that will happen, this is something that has happened.

Comparison: v11 to v5

Explanation

Verse 11 What is the inheritance?

The word “predestined” would call back to verse 5.

Exact same word is used. What if we read this verse as “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined (VERSE 5 for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ) according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the council of His will...”

Not that our inheritance is to be adopted, but our adoption means that our inheritance is from Father God.

Does the son of a King want for anything?

Verse 11 Who decided?

Every one of us kneel as an Armenian and stand a Calvinist.

It’s important we recognize what God did in how he saved us.

So that we praise Him appropriately

So that we don’t create a man-centered doctrine

So that we don’t establish a salvation of works

So that, in the pursuit of understanding God’s love, we do not discount His wrath

Verse 12 For what purpose

For God’s Glory

Working on a website update this week and I had to stop and think about a “What we believe” or “Doctrinal Statement” page. We are a church that upholds the Five “Solas”

Sola Gratia - We are saved by Grace alone

Sola Fide - Through faith alone

Solus Christus - [our faith is] In Christ alone

Sola Scriptura - According to the scripture alone

Soli Deo Gloria - To the glory of God alone

Application

God has made wretches into royalty

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

God has chosen us and called us His children

Ephesians 1:4–5 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

God has established us to exalt Him

Ephesians 1:12 ESV

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

Psalm 103:1–5 ESV

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Praise God for His holiness

Praise God for His generosity

Praise God for His forgiveness

Praise God for His healing

Praise God for how He transforms us

Praise God for how He adopts us

Praise God for how He satisfies us “God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him

Response: Salvation/Baptism/Recommit/New Ministry