October 13th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: ”God's Master Plan for Humanity”

Ephesians 1:3-14
"Blessing" true children who love Him and want to please Him has been God’s desire since the creation of the world. Understanding His Plans and Work will Change our life!

1. God, Our Father, has blessed us in ways beyond imagination in a healed creation that is more amazing than anything we have seen.

Verse: Ephesians 1:3
"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ."

Action to Consider: This verse reminds us that God has already blessed us with everything we need through Christ. As you walk with Jesus today, recognize that His spiritual blessings—peace, love, grace—are available to you every moment. Reflect on how these blessings shape your attitude toward life and your relationships. Strive to be grateful, knowing that God’s plan is to fully restore creation.

2. The Father chose us (true children seeking to know Him) to be His pride and joy before He created the world.

Verse: Ephesians 1:4
"For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him."

Action to Consider: God selected you personally, even before you existed. Embrace this truth by living with purpose, knowing that your life matters deeply to Him. Seek to live in holiness, reflecting His love in your actions. This understanding should motivate you to honor God with the way you live, love, and serve others.

3. The Father predetermined a plan through Jesus to adopt us as His children if anything would disrupt His plans to be our Father.

Verse: Ephesians 1:5-6
"He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One."

Action to Consider: God's love for you is so deep that He made a way through Jesus for you to become His child. This was not a backup plan—it was His intention from the start. Let this truth anchor you when life feels uncertain. Remember, you are part of God's family, and His grace is continually poured into your life. Live as His child, representing Him in every decision.

4. In Jesus, our relationship with the Father is restored through His provision of redemption and forgiveness.

Verse: Ephesians 1:7-8
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding."

Action to Consider: Jesus restored our broken relationship with God. As you go about your day, hold onto the fact that you are forgiven and redeemed. Don't carry the weight of guilt or shame; instead, live in the freedom that Jesus has given you. Share that forgiveness with others, offering grace and understanding.

5. In Jesus, we now know how God’s pre-designed plan to reestablish us as His children will be accomplished.

Verse: Ephesians 1:9-10
"He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him."

Action to Consider: God’s plan, once a mystery, has now been revealed in Christ. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan to restore everything. Let this give you hope in times of uncertainty, trusting that God is bringing all things together for good in His perfect timing.

6. In Jesus, we have received everything God originally intended for us to enjoy forever.

Verse: Ephesians 1:11-12
"In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory."

Action to Consider: Your inheritance in Christ is secure and eternal. As you navigate daily challenges, remember that God has given you everything you need, now and forever. Live in the light of this eternal inheritance, and let it shape your actions to bring glory to God.

7. In Jesus, we listened, we believed, and we are secured by the Holy Spirit as children of God.

Verse: Ephesians 1:13-14
"In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory."

Action to Consider: The Holy Spirit is your guarantee of God’s promises. You are sealed as His child forever. Trust in the Spirit’s guidance and assurance in your life. Let this truth lead you to deeper faith and greater love for others, knowing that you are secure in God's family.

We are blessed in every possible way in this life by the work of the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit.

Growth in Understanding (Ephesians 1:15-19)

1. Paul highlights two commitments in life that prove a person is committed to following Jesus.

Verse: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Verse: John 13:34-35
"I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Action to Consider: Faith in Jesus and love for others are the two markers of genuine discipleship. As you go about your day, make sure your faith is not just internal but is expressed in love toward others. This will be a testimony to the world that you follow Christ.

2. Paul prays for growth in understanding of truth that will help a person grow up as a child of God.

Action to Consider: Wisdom comes from applying God’s truth to life, and revelation comes from listening to God’s word. Pray for wisdom and insight to grow in your understanding of God. Seek deeper knowledge of His heart, and let that guide your decisions.

3. Paul emphasizes three specific truths that will change how we live life as a child of God.

Action to Consider: Let the hope of your calling, the riches of your inheritance, and the power of God transform your daily walk with Jesus. Live with purpose, recognizing that God's power is working in you to achieve great things.

Learning to Pray for Christians

Paul’s prayer for believers is a model for how we should pray for one another. Pray for deeper understanding, growth in love, and faith in Jesus. Pray that others would come to fully know the blessings God has provided through Christ, and that their lives would reflect His goodness.