Ephesians 1:3-6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.—Ephesians 1:3-6

Welcome to Week 2 of our study through Ephesians! This week, we learned how blessed we are to be God’s children! 

Labels are a powerful thing. Many times, children are labeled as “lazy,” “stupid,” or even “fat”’ or “skinny.” They can also be labeled “pretty” or “smart” and often try to live up to their label. Were you labeled as a child? How did you deal with that?

We are not immune to labels as adults. We often say things like “I’m divorced” or “I’m afraid” as if that is who we are. Today, we learn our true identity: We are children of God.

1. Share two of your most significant observations.
2. Share one application you plan to put into practice.
3. What have believers been “chosen” and “predestined” for?
4. What does “adoption” mean for believers? How does this change your perception of your relationship with God?

Although the verb “predestine” (προορίζω “proorisas”) is popular in theological discussions, it is rare in biblical literature, appearing only six times in the New Testament; twice here (Ephesians 1:5,11) and in Acts 4:28, Romans 8:29,30 and 1 Corinthians 2:7. The word refers to deciding upon something beforehand. Paul says God’s plan of salvation was established before creation. The prepositional phrase en agapē should be taken with the participle proorisas in Ephesians 1:5 for the clear image of God who “predestined” believers for adoption out of His love, according to His eternal purposes and good pleasure. In Graeco-Roman culture, the Greek word υἱοθεσία (“huiothesia” literally, “adoption as sons”) refers to the adoption of children who were not related by birth. Paul was trained to know divine adoption as God’s adoption of Israel, as in Isaiah 1:2 and Hosea 11:1. He expands this to describe a believer’s salvation, both present (as in Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:5) and future (as in Romans 8:23). Salvation is part of God’s predestined plan for the world. As God’s adopted children, believers have obtained an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11) guaranteed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:14). How wonderful!

Have you ever questioned your self-worth?

If you have ever questioned your acceptability or wondered if you are genuinely lovable – remember, when God offers salvation, He is not extending membership to a club. He is inviting you to a profound, wonderful relationship.

Our lesson teaches us that God’s will was to adopt you as His own through the work of Christ. He is accepting you as His child. Salvation is much more than forgiveness of sins and deliverance from condemnation; it is also a position of great blessing.

Believers are children of God, and His desire for you is a rich life in a community of grace.

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