The Mystery of God’s Will
As I mentioned Sunday, one of the things I intend to do during this series is blog on issues that we just don’t have time for in the morning message. For this week’s blog post, I’ve chosen Ephesians 1:9-10:
. . . making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)
It is not an overstatement to say that these words, and especially the phrase “the mystery of his will,” are the heart of the doctrinal portion (chapter’s one through three) of this letter. What is Paul describing here?
Paul is referring to the great truth that God’s calling and salvation, and all the promises of His Word, are open not just to Jews, but to all people. Paul devotes a great deal of time to this topic in chapters two and three as he describes the metaphorical breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles in the temple in Jerusalem, and the truth that in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are members of the same kingdom, and in fact, the same family. This truth seems a bit anticlimactic in light of today’s predominantly Gentile church. However, the greater truth in these words ought to energize all of us.
Unlike Macbeth in Shakespeare’s great play, we know that history is not, “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” No, history is moving toward a great end, one that glorifies God through His son, Jesus Christ. In the “fullness of time,” through the life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, God has demonstrated that there is clear direction, and ultimate purpose in this universe and in our lives. Here, in Ephesians, Paul describes it as the uniting of all things in Christ – things in heaven, and things on earth. In Philippians he tells us that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:10-11, ESV)
This universe and its purpose is a mystery to even the greatest of earthly minds. The great French philosopher Andre Maurois asked, “Why are we on this puny mud-heap, spinning in infinite space? I have not the slightest idea, and I am convinced that no one has the least idea.” But as disciples of Jesus Christ, we clearly see “the mystery of his will.” And to the degree that our will is caught up in the mystery of his will, we will experience meaning, purpose, and significance in a world that offers to those outside of Christ only despair. Now that’s what I call riches that money can’t buy!
Pastor Dan
Sermon Outline / Ephesians 1:3-14
Here is a copy of the outline from today’s message. This is a PDF file and requires Adobe Reader to read and print. Click here to download Adobe Reader free.
Printable Outline of Ephesians Study
If you were not at the services on Sunday or just need to print another copy of Pastor Dan’s Ephesians outline, you can download it using the link below. This is a PDF file and requires Adobe Reader to read and print. Click here to download Adobe Reader free.
Introduction to Ephesians Study
Sunday we began what I hope will be a richly rewarding study of the New Testament book of Ephesians. “Riches that money can’t buy” is the theme of this wonderful letter of Paul.
As Christians, it is vital that we know where these riches are found. We also need to recognize what they are–far surpassing the gold and silver trinkets considered valuable by the world. Most important, we need to be Christian spendthrifts, living our lives in a perpetual spending spree. God has not called us to be misers. He intends for us to spend our eternal wealth on those things that really matter in life, mostly relationships.
Rich, meaningful relationships are the primary investments in the portfolios of godly believers. As pastor, I’m asking each of us to spend time this week reflecting on the relationships in our lives. Look over the questions below and let them guide you during this time of prayerful reflection.
- What are the relationships in life I value the most? Am I fully invested in those relationships, or am I neglecting them?
- Are there toxic relationships in my life sapping me of spiritual and emotional health? What must I do about these toxic relationships?
- What are some relationships that I need in my life? What do I need to do to establish and cultivate those relationships?
- How is my relationship with God? Are there issues and problems in that relationship that I need to give attention to? What can I do to enhance my relationship with God and grow closer to him?
It is the greatest joy of my life to serve as your pastor. The rich relationships that I have in SIBC are beyond words. I love and appreciate each of you and will be praying throughout this church year for the riches that money can’t buy to be fully realized in our lives and church.
In Christ,
Pastor Dan
Audio Sermon / Riches That Money Cannot Buy
Pastor Dan Armistead begins his series on Ephesians with a survey of the book of Ephesians. Included is a look ahead at the topics and outlines that he will be covering during this series studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church.
Download this sermon or click the play button below.
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Membership Class
If you are interested in what it means to become a member at SIBC, we will be having membership classes on the first Sunday of every month until December this year. The class goes for approximately one hour, and you will find out about the history of SIBC; who we are and what we are about as a church today; what we expect of those who become members: what you should expect of your staff and leadership, and, naturally, how to become a member.
Sign up for the membership class by filling out the form below. If you are interested or have any questions concerning membership, feel free to email Pastor David Shaw.
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