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Genesis Study Begins January 4

I'm looking forward to beginning 2009 with a study of the Book of Genesis. The book we will use as a guide is William Kroll's Genesis: a God of Purpose, a People of Promise. To take a look at one place the book can be ordered online, click here. My hope is that we can have it available for the first week of the new year in the Second Baptist Bookstore, too. Copies also are available at CPO.

Since Genesis is a 50 chapter book, and this study guide tries to cover it in twelve weeks, I'm preparing to slow it down a little. For instance, the first chapter of the study guide covers the first two chapters of Genesis. I think the best approach probably would be for each of us to go ahead work through that first full chapter of the study guide in advance of the first Sunday lesson, but the lesson itself will only cover the first "half" of the recommended passage in scripture. That is, on January 4, our focus will be on Genesis chapter one. Then, on January 11, we'll study Genesis chapter two. I'll put together a full calendar on the way we will break down the book of Genesis over a 32-week period.

Merry Christmas all.

Matt

"God With Us"

This week will be the fifth of our five-part series on the Old Testament prophesies of Christmas. We'll conclude with a study of the prophetic names (or titles) of Jesus. We'll examine:

• The descriptive names prophesied in Isaiah 
• The official, proper name of "Jesus"
• The prophesied "Title" of "Immanuel"

It is a good way to enter Christmas week. Studying this subject has been a great blessing to me, and I hope it has for you as well. We'll not have class on December 28, and will begin with a new study of the Book of Genesis on the first Sunday of 2009.

To take a look at this week's lesson notes, click here. Also, in my research this week I found a really cool little 30-page booklet publised by RBC Ministries (Radio Bible Classes) that spends quite a bit of time analyzing the four descriptive names of Jesus prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. It's available online as a PDF file by clicking here. I thought you might enjoy the read too (and you'll notice I've borrowed liberally from it for parts of this week's lesson).

Class Directory Online

Reggie shared an up-to-the-minute directory with class members each of the last two weeks. For those who haven't been in class recently, or if you prefer your directories in an electronic format of one kind or another, we now have them available online through this blog. Below are your options:

PDF One-page Directory (ideal for printing)

PST file (ideal for importing into Microsoft Outlook)

Excel Spreadsheet (ideal for sorting and organizing by various fields)

CSV file (comma-separated file generally accepted by most organizers)

Also, birthdays and anniversaries are now placed on the class calendar (found at the bottom of this blog, or searchable in Google Calendar as "Breshears - Morrow ABF Calendar"

Kings Will Pay Tribute and the Government Will be on His Shoulders

The Magi are an enduring and cherished part of the nativity story. But which parts of the story we "know" so well are mere tradition and which are truly biblical? More importantly, what role do these "wise men" play in pointing to the fulfillment of important prophesy that comes in the Christ child? To see this week's lesson notes, click here.

Jesus' Lineage and the Virgin Birth

A critical component to demonstrating Jesus is the promised Messiah is establishing his hereditory claim on the throne of David. Old Testament prophesy was clear that Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah and the line of David. Jesus's family tree demonstrates his qualification in this regard. 

And, one of the most outrageous claims of the Christian faith is that our savior was born of a virgin. Amazingly, this too was prophesied in the Old Testament, and the amazing circumstances of Jesus birth not only fulfill that prophesy, but also give us a clear picture of the unique nature of Christ: he is fully man and fully God. To see the lesson notes for this week, click here.

The Time and Place of Jesus' Birth

Dates and locations can seem pretty boring on the surface. But God's word always offers exciting discoveries and this week's lesson is no exception. I've been fascinated at what the Bible has to say about when and where Messiah was predicted to come and why each detail is so important to telling us what the Messiah's true purpose would be: to serve as the spotless lamb of God who would be sacrificed in our place. Even the circumstances of His birth testify to His purpose! If you'd like to see this week's lesson notes, just click here.  Merry Christmas!

Add Micah 4:8 to This Week's Core Scriptures

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I want to give a heads-up that I failed to get a pretty important core scripture in your handout from last week that outlines our five-week study of Old Testament Prophesies of Christmas. 

That outline has Daniel 9:25-26; Micah 5:2 as the Old Testament Prophesies pointing to the time and place of Jesus' birth. We'll still look at those carefully, but you'll also need to be familiar with Micah 4:8 as key prophesy we will explore. I hope to have my full lesson notes posted later today or tomorrow. It is a fascinating study and I pray it will be a blessing to all of us.

John the Baptist: "The One Who Will Prepare the Way"

We begin our study of Old Testament prophesies that point to Christmas with a lesson about John the Baptist. Old Testament prophets told us of one who would "prepare the way" for the Messiah, and the scripture is clear that John is that prophesied messenger. Beyond the clear fulfillment of prophesy, what was the significance of John's ministry, his life, and his death to God's ultimate plan for salvation and redemption?  I'm posting this Saturday night, and look forward to a good discussion tomorrow morning. Lesson notes for this week's study can be found by clicking here.

As you prepare for subsequent lessons in this five-week series, please use this outline guide to help you plan your study of God's Word.

Outline for New Study Series: Old Testament Prophesy of Christmas

As we begin a new five-week study leading up to Christmas, we will examine five specific prohpetic categories from the Old Testament that pertain to the coming of Messiah, and specifically, to the circumstances surrounding His birth.

I've put together a five-week outline of the subject areas to be studied and the key scriptures that will be the primary focus of each week's study. For a copy of the outline, click here.

Matt's Notes Week Twelve: Ephesians 6:10-24

In week twelve, we conclude our study of the book of Ephesians. The Max Lucado book cuts the study four verses short (ending with verse 20), but I've chosen to go ahead and make our last lesson on the book include the full balance of it (through verse 24). The last four verses basically are a farewell from Paul, but every word of scripture is worthy of study, including these. Next week we will have a guest teacher, as Rachael and I will be out of town for the weekend. After that, we will begin a five-week study that will take us through Christmas and the end of the year. For this week's lesson notes on Ephesians 6:10-24, click here.

Vance Breshears Arrives!

Andrea and Reggie welcomed baby Vance into the world earlier today. He was born at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 22 3/4 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well. Here's a picture of the little guy, only a few hours old:

The Breshears are at Cox South. Best guess is that they will be there all day tomorrow, spend the night, and hopefully head home sometime Thursday. On Sunday, we will have a sign-up sheet for providing meals for the Breshears over the next couple of weeks. Plan your casseroles!

Matt's Notes Week Eleven: Ephesians 6:1-9

This week's lesson focuses on two specific human relationships: parent/child and master/slave. The principles of the master/slave relationship have their most direct parallel to us in a boss/employee setting. This is the first week that I've had the blog up and running before writing my lesson notes. Consequently, I worked to make the notes a little more user-friendly. Instead of making notes to myself that only I would understand, I made the notes this week with potential readers (other than me) also in mind. It makes the notes longer than in past weeks, but it should be less frustrating to read this way. To see the lesson notes, click here.

Matt's Notes Week Ten: Ephesians 5:21-33

Paul's letter to the Ephesians moves this week into a series of specific interpersonal relationships, with a lesson for how believers are to conduct themselves in these relationships. This passage covers the relationship of a husband and wife. The full context of the book of Ephesians to this point gives new perspective on submission and Christlike love.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Nine: Ephesians 5:1-20

Continuing in his lesson of how to apply God's saving grace in our lives, Paul tells the Ephesians that, as adopted children of God, they are expected to take on the characteristics of their adopted father - to be imitators of God. To love in the selfless, sacrificial, and forgiving way Christ loved. Paul warns believers to guard against sexual immorality. We are to live our lives with wisdom, and not foolishly.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Eight: Ephesians 4:17-32

This week's passage continue's Paul's practical application of the foundational theology he laid out in the first three chapters of his letter to the Ephesians. We are told to put off our old self and futile thinking in favor of putting on a new, redeemed self. We are cautioned to guard our mouths and not to sin in our anger.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Seven: Ephesians 4:1-16

In this week's scripture, Paul makes a pivotal transition in his letter to the Ephesians. The first three chapters represented the theological backdrop against which the rest of the letter would fall. Paul used that first part of the letter to carefully explain the foundation of the faith. Now, he turns to the process of explaining the implications of that faith on the lives of believers. Believers are told they have a responsibility to grow in the faith, study the word, pray, and rely on one another. We are responsible for strengthening the Body of Christ, and to guard against deceitful teaching.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Six: Ephesians 3:14-21

Paul concludes the first half of Ephesians with a powerful prayer that Ephesian believers would grow in Christ and be transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. He prays believers will walk in Christlike love, seizing the power that God promises them. He assures believers that they can "know the unknowable" by how they have been transformed and enlightened by the saving grace of God.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Five: Ephesians 3:1-13

In this week's text, Paul explains what he means by "mystery." The phrase is used to describe that which was formerly hidden but now is revealed. We also receive insights into God's grace and His sovereignty.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Four: Ephesians 2:11-22

This week's lesson specifically addresses the fact that the Messiah came for all of mankind, and not simply for the redemption of Israel, as had formerly been thought by most Jewish scholars. Paul describes what was formerly a mystery (a secret now revealed) that Gentiles are equal to Jews as co-heirs to the kindom of God. He further describes Christ as the cornerstone in the foundation of a new understanding of God's church and people.

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Three: Ephesians 2:1-10

In this week's lesson, Paul describes:

• The state in which God found us
• The nature of our salvation
• Our transformation into a new present form
• The implications of our salvation for our eternal future

You can download a copy of my lesson notes (such as you can make heads or tails of them) by clicking here. I'm in the process right now of posting all my lesson notes for the first ten weeks of the Ephesians study. These notes were not created with the purpose in mind that anyone but me would eventually read them, so they might be a bit confusing. Starting with the November 2 lesson, I will work to make my notes more universal in style.

Matt's Notes Week Two: Ephesians 1:11-23

CLICK HERE FOR NOTES IN MS WORD DOCUMENT

In studying the Bible, a distinction must be made between position and practice. If you don't understand which statements are positional and which are practical you'll never interpret the Bible correctly. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:17 Paul told the Corinthians they were holy. But he also said to them, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness" (2 Cor. 7:1). On the surface you might think the Corinthians were holy some of the time and filthy the rest of the time. The fact is that positionally they were holy before God in Christ but not in their practice. Positionally a believer is perfectly holy and righteous in Christ. That is an eternal, unchanging reality. But his practice is weighed down by any unholy and unrighteous behavior. The goal of the Christian life is to make your practice equal your position.

EPHESIANS 1:11-23

15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Supporting Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

1 John 3:16

1 Corinthians 2:11

John 14:26

Romans 8:19

Ephesians 5:22-23

Colossians 1:18-20

15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

• “For this reason” or “therefore” references v. 3-14 (chosen, redeemed, adopted, sealed, Holy Spirit as a deposit… “to the praise of His glory.”)
• Paul’s ministry always included intercessory prayer & thanksgiving.
• Paul’s prayer is based on the believers’ tremendous inheritance in Christ.
• “I have heard” … how? Messengers travelled great distances to bring messages to & from Paul.
• Faith and love are the basic indicators of a true Christian. A believer's faith in Christ is proven by his love toward all saints. First John 2:9-11 says that if you claim to have saving faith yet hate your brother, you're a liar. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Love is defined as self-sacrificing service of to. True faith will result in love.
• Love for all the saints …

- “all” = Indescriminate (we don’t get to choose
who)

- How is “love” defined in Christ?
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 3:16)

- Church community = Mutual sacrifice, bearing burdens, spiritual support (prayer,
forgiveness, accountability & encouragement).

STUDY QUESTION #10 - How would you describe the quality of faith you see around you today? Elevator faith or Stairway faith?

17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

• Paul carefully identifies who is receiving his prayer and who is all powerful to answer it.
• “spirit” is not referring to Holy Spirit, or even man’s spirit (or soul). Rather, it is an attitude of wisdom and revelation, or a oneness in spirit with God, allowing for increased wisdom and revelation.
• “know him better” = not “knowledge.” Rather “know” translates to an intimate, personal and experiential understanding of God – that He would flow through us; that our essence would be transformed to His essence.
• “eyes may be enlightened = Holy Spirit granting us understanding of God’s word and what they had been taught. (1 Corinthians 2:11 & John 14:26)
• “hope” – not “wish for” … rather “certainty of expectation in the future.” … “the sun will rise”
• Why? “called” is a calling from Christ and a summons to Him. Perfect deliverance and perfect fellowship.
• “glorious inheritance” – God owns all, but his most precious possession is His church. And, we are reminded that His glorious inheritance also is ours, as adopted co-heirs.

#2 – Paul prayed for the Ephesians to have a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better. Describe the process of knowing God better.

19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

• “incomparably great power” – how often do we pray that God will grant us power that He already has given us? We pray for strength, we pray for wisdom, discernment, etc. All granted in our “deposit” of the Holy Spirit.
• Why then, do we sometimes feel so powerless?
• Acting on our own power - Not walking in close fellowship/communion with God
• How powerful? He raised Christ from the dead
• “In the heavenly realms – again, reference to the spiritual realm within which all of this happens.

#4 – The same power that raised Christ from the dead works through our faith. In what way should we be using the power of our faith?

21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

• In that time, throughout that region, there was great fear of spiritual powers, demons, etc. dominating life. Paul reminds believers that, as Christians, we have nothing to fear.
• What is Jesus Christ’s inheritance as the natural son of God? – seated at His right hand – with authority over ALL (and we are co-heirs!)
• What are the parameters of His reign?
• Eternal (now and in the age to come).
• Titles or Names = every one you can think of and more!
• Christ again referenced as the “head” of the Church.

#5 – If God is over all rulers, kings, and powers in this world, why do evil dictator exist? More directly, why does evil exist, or tragedy, etc. (HINT: See Romans 8:19).

23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

• Christ is the full expression of God and the church is the full expression of Christ.
• Jesus Christ walking on earth as a man allowed us to see God
• When people look at His church, they should see Jesus

#9 – Describe God’s relationship to his church, as Paul states it in this passage (See also Ephesians 5:22-23 and Colossians 1:18-20)

#11 – Paul says the church is the body of Christ. In what way is the church filled with Christ?

Matt's Notes Week One: Ephesus 1:1-14

CLICK HERE FOR NOTES AS A MS WORD DOCUMENT

Background to the Book of Ephesians:

City of Ephesus

Port city (then) in modern-day Turkey; Economic and cultural hub of activity (largest of seven urban centers in Asia, Asia’s capital)

Tourist center w/ large temples, a 25,000-seat theater, public buildings & gymnasiums, luxurious private homes

The home of many different religions & cults with temples dedicated to many (some shared) – the Ephesian temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was four times the size of the Parthenon in Rome.

By the mideival period, silt from the Cayster River had extended the coastline so far to the west that Ephesus ceased to be a port city and was abandoned… leaving it largely in tact for archeological study.

The Ephesian Church

Central to the development of the early Christian church, with ties to Paul, Timothy, and the apostle John.

“Ephesian Church” refers to the broader “church” at Ephesus: a network of mostly house churches throughout Ephesus and the region.

During the first five centuries of the church, several church councils (representing the entire Christian world at the time) were held there.

Paul in Ephesus

(Acts 18-19-21) Paul had been a missionary for about 17 years before reaching Ephesus. His process was to preach and call converts (Jews and “God fearing” Gentiles) to set up a network of house churches.

Paul spent 2.5 years in Ephesus making converts and training leaders to take responsibility.

Some of his letters to other churches were written during this time, from Ephesus (including 1 Corinthians and possibly Galations).

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians

Written between 60 & 62 AD while he was imprisoned (2nd imprisonment) in Rome.

Written as a circular letter (probably for believers throughout Ephesus and other Asian cities). Some contend it was actually written to the Laodician church, not the Ephesian church (a Laodician epistle is mentioned in Colossians, and they are urged to exchange with one another). Either way, it clearly is meant for broad use.

Not written to correct a problem, but to express theological & practical truth (in contrast to Col & others).

Two halves: Identity & blessings to those in Christ; Responsibilities of those in Christ

Letter was carried by Tychicus (who also was carrying letter to Philemon and travelling with Onesimus – see Colossians 4:7-9). It is believed that Tychicus carried three letters from Paul on his journey: Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon.


Ephesians 1

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus,[a] the faithful[b] in Christ Jesus:
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.


Ephesians 1

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus,[a] the faithful[b] in Christ Jesus:

• Paul establishes is apostleship for anyone still asking about his authority

2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Use of word “Grace” rather than the usual Greek greeting of “Rejoice & peace” indicating God’s benevolence to humanity.
• Special implications for gentiles, who often were treated as “lesser” among some circles of believers.
• “Peace” = “wholeness.” Jews in this time understood “peace” as a greeting to be reference to the fact the Messiah has come, and reigns in the hearts of His elect. (according to Old Testament prophets, peace would be fulfilled only when the Messiah ruled).

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

• Paul makes a broad statement that God has blessed us (specifics to follow)
• “heavenly realms” refers to the realm where Christ reigns with the church that He has raised with Him. The wars/battles fought in this realm are against spiritual foes.
  

4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

• Paul clearly affirmed predestination (short of predestinarianism), but a discussion over election vs. free will misses the point.
• Paul affirms corporate election of the church “in Him.” We are “elect” because we are in Christ. God predestined those who are “in Christ” to be adopted as His children.
• Adoption was common among Greeks and Romans. Their culture was the first to grant the adopted son all the privileges of a natural son, including inheritance rights.
• Adoption was as often an adult as a child.
• Metaphor: God has authority over His adopted children; we have taken on His identity.
• Inheritance rights: Greek cultures recognized adopted children as equal (“co-heirs”) in their inheritance to natural children. (Read Galations 4:4-7)

MEDITATE: If we are adopted children of God, and therefore “co-heirs” to His inheritance, who are we co-heirs with? Who is the natural heir? What does that mean? The same blessings and inheritance God has for his son Jesus Christ, He also has for His adopted children.

6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

• The Ephesians were familiar with the Greco-Roman practice of redemption. Slaves were freed by the payment of a ransom. Similarly, the ransom necessary to free sinners from the bondage of sin and the resulting curse imposed by the law was the death of Jesus Christ. (Read Galations 3:12-14)

And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

• The Greek word is “mysterion,” which means a secret to be revealed only to the initiated (used often in the pagan “mystery” religions of the day.
• Paul used it to communicate God’s truth and will that was hidden in the past but now revealed. The Holy Spirit in us reveals mysteries in God’s word that others are unable to see.

10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

• Doctrine of election here is clear and cannot be denied. It can be (and often is) misunderstood and/or miscommunicated in a false debate of “election vs. free will.”
• The point is the sovereignty of God. He providentially acts and orchestrates events according to His perfect master plan. (Romans 9 indicates that God uses even sinful human choices for His will).

12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

• “the praise of His glory.” What does that mean? (question 10 in the guide).

13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

• A “seal” was a blot of clay or wax impressed with an owner’s mark. It denoted ownership and security.
• God “owns” those who He seals (our lives are not our own but have been bought) (READ 1 Corinthians 7:23)
• Those sealed by God are secure in His ownership
• The Holy Spirit is referred to as a “deposit” to guarantee our inheritance. It is God’s collateral that allows us to count on our future inheritance.
• The salvation experience is often communicated in terms of transaction. In John 19:30, when Jesus cries “it is finished” from the cross, the literal translation is “the transaction is complete,” a reference that the unpaid debt is now paid. The discussion of adoption is more a matter of position than a matter of relationship. It is a way of determining inheritances. And here, God (as if he owed us anything) offers us a downpayment on the inheritance He has promised.
  
  
  Discussion questions:

Question #4: How does God choose His people? Do your best to anchor your answer in God's Word.

Question #5: In what ways is the Holy Spirit God's mark of ownership on us?

Question #9: What conclusions can you draw from the statement that God "chose us before the foundation of the world?"

Question #10: In what ways do we bring praise to God's glory?