Ephesians 1:3-14

Sermon Summary

In this sermon we zeroed in on the words redemption and inheritance, showing the historical and theological freight that they carry into Ephesians chapter 1.  Paul uses these words as a map that places the Church inside of Israel’s story. He shows us that what God was doing with the little nation of Israel, He is still doing—only more broadly and more gloriously, as He brings the promise that He made to Abraham—that he would be heir of the world (Rom. 4:13)—to fruition through Abraham’s true offspring, believers in Jesus (Gal. 3:29). We are caught up in nothing less than a world wide Second Exodus wherein God is calling the world out of slavery to the Pharaoh that is sin and death and inviting them into the Promised Land that is life with Jesus and His people.

Reflection Questions

Understanding the Passage

1. Why do you think Paul begins Ephesians with such an extended outburst of praise?

2. What does the word redemption mean in the Old Testament, and how does that shape how we read Ephesians 1:7?

3. How does understanding the Promised Land help us understand the word inheritance in this passage?

Understanding Our Place in the Story

4. The sermon suggested the Church lives somewhere between the Exodus and the full possession of the land. How does this help explain the tension between what God has already done and what we still wait for?

5. What does it mean that believers are already “in Christ” and therefore already have access to the realities of the Promised Land?

Living in Light of These Truths

6. What tends to light the fuse of complaint in your life?

7. What truths from Ephesians 1 might help light the fuse of doxology instead?

8. What might it look like this week to participate in the “advance of the inheritance” through faithfulness, evangelism, or acts of love?

Short & Kid-Friendly Family Reflection

Big Idea

God rescued His people in the Bible, and He is still rescuing people today through Jesus!

Read Together

Ephesians 1:7

“In Him we have redemption through His blood.”

Ask your kids

• What does it mean to rescue someone?

• Can you think of a time someone helped or rescued you?

• How did God rescue His people in the Exodus?

• How did Jesus rescue us?

Explain

Just like God rescued Israel from Egypt, Jesus rescues us from sin and brings us into His family.

Family Prayer

“God, thank you for rescuing us through Jesus. Help our family remember your goodness and praise you every day. Amen.”