Ephesians 1:3-14

1. I've always loved reading non-fiction books - history, philosophy, even textbooks! They ground me in the real world because they're all about what actually happened. Now, some might remember struggling with schoolwork in ninth grade, but textbooks became my unlikely best friends back then. I read them cover to cover! This love of facts followed me to seminary, where textbooks again became my guides, this time opening up the amazing world of theology.  Anyway, while studying Ephesians for a recent sermon, a question popped into my head: what were people thinking like back in Jesus' time? That question led me down a really interesting path – the world of first-century philosophers. One thinker I came across was Seneca, a Roman guy who even tutored the infamous emperor Nero. Although we usually say Jesus was born in A.D. 1, historians believe it might have been closer to 4 B.C. Seneca himself lived from 5 B.C. all the way to 65 A.D. The reason I wanted to read about this period through someone like Seneca is because I thought it helps us understand the way people were thinking during Jesus' time, roughly between 4 B.C. and 33 A.D.

2. I want to share with you about one of Seneca’s quotes.

The archer must know what he is seeking to hit; then he must aim and control the weapon by his skill. Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbour he is making for, no wind is the right wind. (Epistle LXXI: On The Supreme Good, 1920)

3. Seneca's quote resonated with me. He said that without a clear aim, success is impossible, just like hitting a target. This reminds me of my time in the military, where we had regular shooting practice.  While hitting more than 18 targets meant a sweet vacation,  one time I used all my bullets and somehow ended up with more than 25 hits! Turns out, the guy next to me misread his target. Even with good aim, hitting the wrong target gets you nowhere. Seneca's point is clear: just like in shooting, if you don't know your goal and what you're aiming for in life, you can't really get anywhere.

3. There's a reason I mentioned that quote by Seneca earlier. It fits perfectly with what we're talking about today: figuring out our purpose in life.  Ephesians 1:3-14 might be just one sentence in Greek, but it's jam-packed with powerful words and ideas that can help us live a meaningful Christian life. Let us read Ephesians 1:3-14 first.

Ephesians 1:3–5 NRSV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:6–8 NRSV

to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight

Ephesians 1:9–11 NRSV

he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,

Ephesians 1:12–14 NRSV

so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

4. In Ephesians 1:3-14, we encounter at least three key themes that guide us on our faith journey: worshipping the Lord, understanding predestination, and living and walking "in Christ." Let's begin by exploring the very first theme – worshipping the Lord. What does it mean to truly worship God in light of this passage?

5. Firstly, we should take a closer look at Ephesians 1:3 in the Greek text. Something interesting jumps out at us right away – Greek grammar uses cases including Nominative and Genitive, both of which can be used with prepositions like "of," "with," "to," or "for." In English, this verse is translated as an adjective, like saying "Blessed be the God." However, we have another option. In Greek, any word (noun, verb, adjective) can be used in a prepositional phrase, which includes a preposition like "to" or "for." However, in this case, "eulogētos tou theou" literally translates to "blessed is the God," with "eulogētos" agreeing with the subject "theos" in the nominative case. While some interpretations render it as "blessed of God," the majority view translates it as a statement of praise directed at God. This allows for a more dynamic approach, as seen in the New Living Translation's rendering of "All praise to God!" which captures the essence of worshipping and offering praise directly to God.

Ephesians 1:3 NLT

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

6. Paul begins this passage with a powerful statement about praising God. He emphasizes that this praise doesn't stem from our own good fortune, but from our union with Jesus Christ.  This passage reminds the Ephesians (and us!) that worship isn't something we earn. Instead, it flows from a place of immense gratitude. God, in His kindness, has showered us with "every spiritual blessing in the heavens" –  including forgiveness, peace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit – all because of our union with Jesus Christ. It completely transforms our understanding of worship. It's not about checking a box, going through the motions of liturgy, or simply enjoying music and sermons. True worship is much deeper. It's about acknowledging and confessing the incredible spiritual blessings God has bestowed upon us through Christ. It's a heartfelt response to His immense grace.

7. Next, Paul offers another powerful reason for worshipping God. He reminds the Ephesians (and us) that our salvation isn't something we achieve through our own efforts. Instead, it's a gift from God, rooted in His sovereign choice. Here, Paul introduces a concept that can be challenging: predestination. In simpler terms, it suggests God, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen us for salvation through Christ. This means our ultimate destination – eternal life – has already been secured by God's will and plan. Just like an archer wouldn't shoot an arrow without aiming first, our Christian life begins with a clear destination set by God.  Ephesians reminds us that salvation isn't something we frantically chase after. Instead, because we are "in Christ," our saving journey has already begun. Our new life is about embarking on that journey, living in God's grace and purpose. It's important to understand that Paul's point of predestination is not about our fate being predetermined, but rather God's preordained plan and work for our salvation through His will.

Philippians 2:12–13 NRSV

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

8. Acknowledging the ongoing theological debate surrounding predestination is paramount. Some argue that the doctrine reduces humanity to mere automatons, akin to robots programmed by God's plan, thereby eliminating individual agency. However, I contend that Paul's primary focus wasn't on delving into this philosophical dilemma. Rather, he sought to illuminate God's divine work and plan for Salvation. In this theological context, predestination underscores God's sovereign action, while free will highlights humanity's response to God's invitation of salvation. I interpret it thus: Upon experiencing the grace of God's predestination, our will awakens. We become conscious of God's redemptive plan for us, enabling us to embrace His call, mirroring Paul's own conversion. Subsequently, we embark on a journey of faith, directing our actions toward the divine objectives set before us. I personally find the term "free will" somewhat limiting. Instead, "freedom of the will" or "bondage of the will" seem more fitting descriptors. When our will aligns with Jesus, we naturally gravitate towards freedom. Conversely, if it remains estranged from Him, it remains ensnared in bondage. Therefore, our ability to turn to God stems from the awakening of our will by God, leading it to choose His path over sin.

Philippians 3:12–14 NIV

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

And I will run to You To Your words of truth Not by might, not by power But by the Spirit of God Yes, I will run the race ’Til I see Your face Oh, let me live in the glory of Your grace

9. This story from Toronto comes to mind when I think about the relationship between God and us. I was leaving a Christian History class, needing some fresh air, when I saw a dad and son playing catch. As they threw the ball back and forth, the dad would sometimes move the basket to where the son was aiming. This reminded me of God's role in our lives. God, like the dad, guides us towards our destination, a destination He already has in mind for us.  Even if we miss our mark sometimes, God knows our direction and helps us get back on track.  As long as we stay close to Him, He'll lead us to that destination because it's ultimately within Him, just like we are in Jesus Christ. Now, this doesn't mean we're robots. Paul talks about freedom of the will. Because God created us free, we're not burdened by our past sins. We have the freedom to choose the path of God, free from the chains of sin. This freedom to choose is the key to understanding Predestination.

10. The key to understanding God's plan, our choices, and running towards our purpose lies in Jesus Christ. As Paul emphasizes, it's not just about predestination or our willpower, but about being in Christ.  When we have faith in Jesus, God's plan and choices become clear. We can understand our purpose and choose to move towards it. This isn't about blind obedience, but about acknowledging God as our guide. It's about living according to His will, which ultimately brings Him joy.

Romans 12:1–2 NASB 2020

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.