Ephesians
What is God’s will for my life? I feel like this is such a common question for Christians to ask. We desire to do what God wills, but we often struggle to figure out what that might be. What college should I attend? Who should I marry? What career should I pursue? Should we have another child? Should I move for my career? Should I retire early? Should I pursue experimental treatment? The world is filled with so many difficult questions, and God’s will can seem like a mystery.
In our passage for this Sunday, however, the Apostle Paul says that God has made known to us the mystery of His will. God has revealed to his people what we need to know in order to faithfully live before him in this world. So, what is the mystery of God’s will, and where has it been revealed? And if God’s will has been revealed, why do the answers to so many of life’s biggest questions remain unclear?
What we will see in our passage is that the mystery of God’s will is not a puzzle for us to solve, but a truth God has revealed. And that truth is centered on Jesus Christ. For God’s ultimate purpose is that all things in heaven and on earth would be united in Christ. In Jesus, the scattered pieces of history find their center, the story finds its resolution, and God’s purposes for all things are brought together. So, the answer to our individual questions about life only find their answer in the broader question: What is God’s will for all things? And what we will see is that God’s will is for all things to be united in Christ.
To prepare for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate on Ephesians 1:1-10, Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 16:25, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Galatians 3:28, Colossians 1:19-20; 2:2, and this article on the Mystery of the Gospel.
This week we will celebrate that sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of the bread and the cup, we look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “Vast the Immensity, Mirror of Majesty,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” and “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place".
Sermon Information:
Text: Ephesians 1:7-10
Title: The Mystery of God’s Will
Outline:
- Trust that God Reveals His Will
- Trust How God Accomplishes His Will
- Trust Where God Accomplishes His Will
- Trust When God Accomplishes His Will