TEXT: EPHESIANS 1: 7-10
READING: 1 JOHN 5: 1-21
SUBJ: The result of redemption seen the in wisdom and prudence given that we might understand the revelation of the mysteries of the Gospel.
AIM: That we might avail ourselves of that which the grace of God provides.
INTR: We would examine yet another link in this Golden Doxology (reason for praise) by considering the things which abound from the riches of His grace.
1. We last looked at redemption as a possession - wherein we are freed from all bondage and our hearts experience forgiveness.
2. Consider the "lifer" who is set free without resource, direction or guidance. Some choose to return to prison.
3. God not only sets us free from the bondage of sin and death, but He also provides all that is needed to be productive citizens of the Kingdom of God.
THESIS: We will be brought to the fulfillment of God's purpose as knowing and aware that we may give a reason of the hope that is within us.
I. Redemption and beyond (vv. 7-8)
1. The meaning of riches to the believer goes far beyond material things. It begins with the price of redemption (see our last message).
2. Consider: Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? AND Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; AND Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. AND Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
3. The word abundance here means superabounding - See Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us . . .
1) Wisdom - Spiritual application of knowledge
2) Prudence - intellectual and moral insight
4. Faith is followed by practice and it is with a consciousness of having been redeemed.
II. Revelation (v. 9)
1. Consider Paul's description of his experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. - - - we certainly do not compare to him but Christ is revealed in us!
2. To know the mystery of His will is "according to His good pleasure." Remember: Psalms 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
1) We certainly do not know all, but it is given unto us to know: 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. See also, Matthew 13:11
2) We know of the operation of His will and the expression of it pleases Him.
3. The preaching of Jesus Christ is mysterious to the world: Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began . . . AND Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel . . . AND especially 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
4. Beleivers are seen to be a mystery: Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1) Consider the vain attempts of the world to imitate what only Christ in us can produce
2) They do not understand the very nature of regeneration and conversion.
III. Restoration (v. 10)
1. The fullness of times and compare Galatians 4:4.
1) Not merely an appointed time, but even more
2) That all was ready in the purpose of God for Him to come.
2. The word here for gathering together has the thought of "again."
1) Consider Colossians 1:15-20 and note that all things were together in Him from the beginning - including the angels and their orders.
2) We are even here pointed to the perfect conditions that existed in the Garden
3) And the chaos that followed the Fall.
3. All that was fractured, separated and dispersed by the fall and subsequent curse will be brought together in a singular expression of the wisdom of God - New Heavens and New Earth.
1) Consider what is already in, But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24)
2) And see also: Revelation 5: 9-13.
4. While we may not see all
1) We know that it will be all-encompassing - Heaven and earth.
2) It will show the will of God "on earth as it is in Heaven."
3) It will all be in Christ - "even" in Him!
5. It is to this we look with great expectation and joy; the kings of the world have nothing to offer.
