Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Praise God's Glorious Grace! (Ephesians 1:3-6)

Bryan Schneider · January 11, 2020

Ephesians 1:3-6

sharonrpc.org/sermons/praise-god-s-glorious

Summary

Ephesians 1:3-14 is an extended outpouring of praise for the spiritual blessings God gives in Christ.
Before the foundation of the world, God freely chose his people in Christ, not because of their strength, number, wisdom, goodness, or works.
God's unconditional choice magnifies his grace and gives believers confidence that no created thing can sever his love.
In union with the spotless Christ, God sets believers apart as holy and regards them as blameless before him.
The passage addresses both self-righteous pride and despairing self-condemnation by locating acceptance entirely in Christ.
God predestines believers for adoption, welcomes them as royal sons and daughters, and makes them accepted in the beloved Son, leading them to praise his glorious grace.

Does the doctrine of God's choice lead me first to praise, or merely to abstract argument?
Am I trying to explain God's love by something strong, wise, numerous, or good in me?
How does election before creation strengthen assurance when circumstances or feelings change?
Do I approach God as self-righteous and deserving, or as someone whose only boast is his grace?
Do I regard my sin as too powerful for God's grace and Christ's cleansing?
What does it mean for my identity and prayers that God has adopted me as his child and heir?
How can my life become praise to the glory of the grace that made me accepted in Christ?

Election: God's free choice of a people in Christ before creation, grounded in his own loving purpose rather than their merit.
Predestination: God's eternal appointment of his chosen people to adoption through Jesus Christ according to his good pleasure.
Holy: Set apart for God's own royal use and increasingly conformed to his character through union with Christ.
Blameless: Accepted before God without the stain or charge of sin because the believer is covered by the spotless Christ.
Adoption: God's gracious reception of believers into his household as loved children and heirs through Jesus Christ.