warm-up

Do you like mysteries? Why or why not?

Recall a recent time when someone apologized to you. How did s/he say sorry? How did you respond?

How do you know if you’ve forgiven someone? Recall an instance explaining this.

word

7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:7-10

God’s plan for our salvation is not just for us to go to heaven; it involves us experiencing His forgiveness and redemption because of His great love, mercy, and grace. This gospel was according to His plan—the Son of God, Jesus, taking our sin and shame upon Himself so we could be redeemed, be forgiven, and know His will.

1
God redeemed us through His blood.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace . . . Ephesians 1:7

To be redeemed is to be set free from captivity or slavery through a ransom. We were enslaved by sin, but in Christ we are redeemed. He paid the price to redeem us from our sin with His blood. His death is the perfect and final sacrifice, and we will not get the punishment we deserve. According to Romans 3:23,24, to whom is redemption in Christ Jesus available?

2
God forgave us by His grace.

7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight . . . Ephesians 1:7

In Christ, all our sins are forgiven. He not only spared us from punishment, He voluntarily gave us grace—everything we do not deserve. God is rich in grace, and He lavishes it on us every day. This is a gift from God, which we can never earn. How did your life change after understanding and believing that God has forgiven all your sins?

3
God made His will known to us.

9. . . making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:9,1o

Aside from our redemption and forgiveness in Christ, God made known to us the mystery of His will—the gospel. God’s plan has now been revealed to us: He desired the world to be reconciled to Himself, and He invites us to be part of it. Whose purpose and plan is being followed in your life? What is His plan for your life?

application

Do you believe that Jesus’ finished work on the cross brought about your redemption and the forgiveness of your sins? How will you grow in your understanding of the gospel this week?

How can you grow in your appreciation of the riches of God’s grace every day? Meditate and reflect on Ephesians 2:8,9 this week.

Now that God has made known His will to you, who can you preach the gospel to this week? Who can you help know and follow God?

prayer

Thank God for Christ’s perfect and final sacrifice on the cross for you. Thank Him for your redemption and the forgiveness of your sins. Thank Him for making His will known to you.

Thank God for Christ’s perfect and final sacrifice on the cross for you. Thank Him for your redemption and the forgiveness of your sins. Thank Him for making His will known to you.

Pray for your family members and friends to know, understand, and believe the gospel. Pray that your testimony would lead them to be reconciled to God.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
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