Ephesians 1:11-14
Introduction
11 Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.—Ephesians 1:11-14
Welcome to Week 4 of our study through Ephesians! Today, we see the beautiful and profound process of salvation: We hear it, believe it, and receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. We belong to God!
Welcome to Week 4 of our study through Ephesians! Today, we see the beautiful and profound process of salvation: We hear it, believe it, and receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. We belong to God!
Icebreaker
Can you recall listening to the gospel message, believing it in your heart, and receiving God’s seal of salvation? Share your story.
Discussion Questions
1. Share two of your most significant observations from Ephesians 1:11-14.
2. Share one application you plan to put into practice.
3. What does it mean to be “sealed with the Holy Spirit”? What must a person do to receive this?
4. How does this sealing relate to our inheritance and redemption? See Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30.
2. Share one application you plan to put into practice.
3. What does it mean to be “sealed with the Holy Spirit”? What must a person do to receive this?
4. How does this sealing relate to our inheritance and redemption? See Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30.
Dig Deeper: Sealed (σφραγίζω “sphragizō”)
Defined as “to mark with a seal as a means of identification so that the mark denoting ownership also carries the protection of the owner.” This forms a basis for understanding the imagery of those who enter the Christian community as being sealed with or by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit plays a role in keeping God’s people saved. He is God’s seal in three passages, preserving believers until the last day. The Father is the sealer (2 Cor. 1:21–22) and seals believers “in him,” that is, in Christ (Eph. 1:13). The Father seals us “with the promised Holy Spirit” (v. 13), who is also the “guarantee of our inheritance” (v. 14). God loves us, saves us, and gives us the Spirit with whom we were “sealed for the day of redemption” (4:30). God graciously assures believers in Christ that we are safe in his care. He seals our union with Christ by giving us the Spirit, who guarantees our ultimate salvation.
Read Luke 22:31–34, John 10:25–30, Romans 8:29–39 and Philippians 1:6
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If you would like to lead a new Small Group, join us every second Sunday of the month at 10:30 am in the Large Conference Room for Small Group Leader training.
The Holy Spirit plays a role in keeping God’s people saved. He is God’s seal in three passages, preserving believers until the last day. The Father is the sealer (2 Cor. 1:21–22) and seals believers “in him,” that is, in Christ (Eph. 1:13). The Father seals us “with the promised Holy Spirit” (v. 13), who is also the “guarantee of our inheritance” (v. 14). God loves us, saves us, and gives us the Spirit with whom we were “sealed for the day of redemption” (4:30). God graciously assures believers in Christ that we are safe in his care. He seals our union with Christ by giving us the Spirit, who guarantees our ultimate salvation.
Read Luke 22:31–34, John 10:25–30, Romans 8:29–39 and Philippians 1:6
If you are not a member of a Small Group and want to join one, complete this form to get started.
If you would like to lead a new Small Group, join us every second Sunday of the month at 10:30 am in the Large Conference Room for Small Group Leader training.
Posted in Sermon Notes