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ACCORDING TO THE COUNSEL OF HIS WILL

Text: Ephesians 1:11
20 March 2011

(I) THE PHRASE: ACCORDING TO

1. According to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:5)

2. According to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7)

3. According to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself (Ephesians 1:9)

4. According to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11)

5. According to the working of His mighty power (Ephesians 1:19)

(II) SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PHRASE “ACCORDING TO”

1. Divine Thought

2. Divine Wisdom

“In all wisdom and prudence” Ephesians 1:8

3. Divine Planning

a) Before the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 1:4 )

b) Predestined ( Ephesians 1:5, 11 )

c) In the fullness of time ( Ephesians 1:10 )

4. Divine Power

a) It takes Divine power to carry out what is planned

b) This power is gloriously displayed in Christ ( Ephesians 1:20 )

(III) FEATURES OF DIVINE PLANNING

1. God’s will

2. God’s grace

3. God’s good pleasure

4. God’s counsel

5. God’s power

(IV) GOD’S PURPOSE HIGHLIGHTED

1. To reflect God’s glory (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14)

2. To reflect God’s grace (Ephesians 1:6)

(V) GOD’S WORK UNDERSTOOD

1. Prayer for enlightenment (Ephesians 1:15-18)

2. Personal experience of God’s power (Ephesians 1:1)