STRONGER-Part 2-AFTER THE SERMON
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a sermon group discussion. CLICK HERE to find a discussion group. Enjoy!
Sermon Title: All We Are & Have In Christ
Main Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14
Other scripture mentioned: Genesis 12:1-3
If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read the provided scripture to catch everyone up!
Check out this overview of the entire book, especially the first chapters of Ephesians to better understand the depth of Ephesians 1 Ephesians Overview
Summary:
We dug deeper into Ephesians 1:3-14 today. Pastor Ryan helped us understand that this portion of scripture in the greek and original manuscript is one very long sentence. Some say it was Paul’s hymn of praise. When we read these 12 verses in their full context we get a better understanding of how critical Jesus is to our lives. We learn that God planned before the world was made to include gentiles into the family of God. Any nation not of Jewish descent is a gentile, which would include many of us who are reading this. Verse 13 is a pinnacle verse. God planned before the gentiles were born to give them access into his family through Jesus and they would hear about this mysterious plan through the preaching of the good news by Apostles like Paul. As the Word was preached and the gentiles believed in the good news they were saved and identified as one of God’s own Children by the seal of inheriting the Holy Spirit. Overall, verses 3-14 give us a beautiful summary of all the blessings we that are offered and we inherit when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The big question is, have you put your faith in Christ? There are incredible spiritual blessings to being a child of God!
**A note about verses 4-5, 11 and the teaching of Predestination:
“These verses are not about God predetermining which individuals will be in Christ and which one’s won’t! It is about God predetermining what will become of those who are in Christ through faith!” -Dr Leighton Flowers
Paul is saying in these verses that God decided in advance what we would become when we believe in Christ. God predetermined before the world was made, that through faith in Christ, we become holy and adopted into His family.
Takeaways:
Believers in Christ have spiritual and heavenly blessings you will not find in this world.
I am holy In Christ. I am blameless in Christ. I am adopted in Christ.
You are wanted, reclaimed, redeemed, washed, and restored by the precious blood of Jesus, as if you never were damaged.
I am free in Christ, I am forgiven in Christ. I am redeemed in Christ.
I am claimed in Christ. I am valuable in Christ. I am accepted In Christ.
We inherit and experience all of God (trinity) in the life in Christ.
God gave us every spiritual blessing so our lives, our actions, our songs, our marriages, our kids, our work, and our victory in battles would bring praise and glory to Him.
Remember all that you are and all that you have in Christ, as you live in this world.
Discussion:
What was one big takeaway for you from this message?
What scripture verse stuck out to you and why?
What did you sense the Holy Spirit was saying to you during this message?
What are the blessings Paul lists throughout the 12 verses for those who are in Christ?
How does one be IN Christ and inherit all these blessings? (Verse 13)
Why does remembering all these blessings make us stronger?
Do you need to put your faith in Jesus, today? Can we pray with you?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we are in awe of you. All the blessings you have showered on us are priceless. We don’t feel worthy but we are grateful. Thank you for including me in your family and for my true identity through faith in Christ. I will cherish and enjoy these blessings but I will also use them to bring you glory and make you known to my family, my friends, and my world. I love you and I put my trust in you, In Jesus name, Amen!
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!