Ephesians 1:1-14: God’s Work In Our Lives

I) Ephesians Background

A) A letter from Paul to _____________ in Ephesus and surrounding area.

B) Ephesus was a major seaport with 250,000 people.

1) Temple of ________________ (Diana) was one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world.

2) It was also know for a huge 25,000 seat __________________.

II) God, the Father's Role, In Believers’Lives.

A) God _______________ believers. (Eph. 1:3, James 1:17)

B) God ________________ and elects believers. He initiates believers’ faith because it pleases him.(Eph. 1:3-11, John 6:37-44, Rom. 8:29)

1) God _______________ believers. Before the world was ever established, God knew and loved them.(Eph. 1:4,11, John 15:16)

2) Predestination is relational. God adopts believers into his family though Jesus Christ.(Eph. 1:4, Rom. 8:14,15)

C) God makes the Gospel of Jesus ________________ to believers. (Eph. 1:6,9-10)

III) Believer's response to Father's Initiative.

A) Believers’ __________ the gospel message.(Eph. 1:12,13)

B) Believer’s _____________ and put their hope in Christ.(Eph. 1:12,13)

IV) Jesus Christ's Role In Believers’Lives

A) He _________________ believers from their sin. He paid the price for their freedom (justice).(Eph. 1:7,8, Tit. 2:14, Matt. 20:28)

B) He _________________ believers with grace!(Eph. 1:7,8)

V) The Holy Spirit's Role In Believers’Lives.

A) He ____________ our faith in Christ. (Eph. 1:13,14, Rom. 8:38,39)

B) He is a ________________ for our future life with Christ..

I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him; and I am sure He chose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards; and He must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find in myself why He should have looked upon me with special love. So I am forced to accept that great Biblical doctrine.

- Charles Spurgeon Autobiography