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)