God Is the Subject (Ephesians Pt. 3) | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes that God is the central subject in our lives, and He has chosen us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him. We are not just passive recipients of His blessings, but active participants in His plan to unite all things in Christ. This understanding shifts our focus from trying to control our circumstances to being receptive to God's lavishing of His grace upon us.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 1:3-14 - This passage is a declaration of God's sovereignty and election, emphasizing that He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places because we are in Christ.
• Ephesians 1:4-5 - Here, it's clear that God is the subject, choosing us and predestining us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ. This emphasis on God's initiative should bring us joy and gratitude.
• Ephesians 1:8 - The phrase "according to the riches of his grace" highlights God's extravagance in lavishing His love upon us. This is a picture of who He is – merciful, gracious, and generous.
• Amos 3:7 - God says that He does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets. This principle applies to all areas of life, reminding us that God's plan includes us and He wants to reveal it to us.
• Colossians 1:15-16 - Christ is the image of the invisible God, and everything was created through Him and for Him. This emphasizes that creation was made for a purpose – to be united with God in Christ.
• Ephesians 1:10 - The plan of God is to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth, in the fullness of time. This includes humanity's redemption through Jesus' blood.

Main Points

God's sovereignty is emphasized throughout Ephesians 1, showing that He has chosen us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him.

We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places because we are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

God's initiative is highlighted throughout Ephesians 1, emphasizing that He chooses us and predestines us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5).

The phrase "according to the riches of his grace" in Ephesians 1:8 highlights God's extravagance in lavishing His love upon us.

God's plan includes humanity's redemption through Jesus' blood, and He wants to reveal it to us (Amos 3:7).

The ultimate goal is the uniting of all things in Christ, both heaven and earth, in the fullness of time (Ephesians 1:10).

Application

This message encourages us to shift our focus from trying to control our circumstances to being receptive to God's lavishing of His grace upon us. We should recognize that we are not just passive recipients but active participants in His plan.

We should be grateful and joyful for God's initiative in choosing us before the foundation of the world, emphasizing that He has a plan for each of our lives.

God's sovereignty and election should bring us comfort and confidence in His goodness and faithfulness.

We can trust that God's plan includes humanity's redemption through Jesus' blood and that He wants to reveal it to us.

Reflection Questions

How has this message impacted your understanding of God's sovereignty and election?

What are some areas in your life where you need to shift from trying to control circumstances to being receptive to God's lavishing of His grace?

How can you express gratitude for God's initiative in choosing you before the foundation of the world?

What does it mean to be an active participant in God's plan, and how can you apply this understanding in your life?