April 24, 2023
Ephesians 1:1-14
EXTRAVAGANT GIFTS
What is wrong with the world and what can be done about it? If you’re even partially conscientious, you think about these things. The letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians answers both questions and Paul is so excited about what God is doing that he has a run-on sentence of 204 words! Do your best not to get overwhelmed by the ideas piling up on top of each other! Each phrase is describing another part of the extravagant love of God, make sure you hear that loud and clear.
Listen to an audio version of the message
Songs for this week: Spotify
Ephesians 1:1-14
- If you were talking to someone at the rink or grocery store and asked them “What is wrong with the world?” And even “What can be done about it?” How might they respond? If you get these questions beforehand you can ask someone those very questions.
- Which phrase of God’s extravagant love in vv 3-14, stands out most to you? Why?
- How do you process God’s ‘choosing’ people (v. 4, 11) and even predestining them? Does that feel exclusive or do you understand it differently?
- Explain the phrase “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ”. What does that mean and what does it mean in your life?
- “Praise” is Paul’s response to what God has done. What does ‘praise’ look like in your life these days? When are you at your ‘praising’ best?
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Exodus 1:6-14 - This Sunday, we begin Roots, a new teaching series from the book of Exodus—discovering how the story of rescue in Exodus shapes our understanding of Jesus.
Exodus 36:1-7 - God calls Israel to give their wealth to build the Tabernacle, raising a timeless question: will we live open-handed, trusting God with what we hold?
Luke 12:13-21 - Jesus warns us about the hidden danger of greed. Discover three heart attitudes toward money—I deserve it, it’s all for me, and I’m better off with more—and why they matter.
Acts 20:32-38 - For three weeks, we explore what Jesus says about money. This week, Paul’s final message highlights contentment, hard work, and caring for the weak.
Luke 2:22-40 - This week we reflect on the quiet faithfulness of Joseph and Mary as they bring Jesus to the temple. In this moment of ordinary obedience, God meets them with extraordinary hope through Simeon and Anna.
Matthew 1:18-25 - God puts His people on the go. Explore God’s call to Joseph and how an ordinary life is drawn into a greater mission and purpose.
