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ACCORDING TO THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL

Text: Ephesians 1:9
13 March 2011

(I) MAN’S STRUGGLE WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND HIS WILL

1. Man cannot discover the will of God on his own

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21

a) The world does not know God

b) Many do not believe in God

c) Many reject the preaching of the message of God as foolish

2. God’s will is “revealed mystery”

“For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

a) Requesting signs (Jews)

b) Seeking wisdom (Greeks)

c) Preaching of Christ the power of God (Christians)

d) God’s “foolishness” is wiser than men

e) God’s “weakness” is stronger than men

(II) DECLARATION OF GOD’S WILL

“having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself…” Ephesians 1:9

1. The mystery of God’s will is now made known

2. According to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself

3. Features of God’s declared will

4. Blssings on all who believe in Him Ephesians 1:3-14

a) Blessed with every spiritual blessing ( Ephesians 1:3 )

b) Sonship ( Ephesians 1:4-5 )

c) Redemption ( Ephesians 1:7 )

d) Forgiveness of sins ( Ephesians 1:7 )

e) Riches of His grace ( Ephesians 1:7-8 )

(III) APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Holy and without blame (Ephesians 1:4)

2. The praise of the glory of His grace (Ephesians 1:6)