Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:8-13

GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN

(Part 1)

Intro.

1. Eph. 3:8-11 - The eternal purpose of God:

a. 3:8 – Unsearchable riches of Christ.

b. 3:9 – Mystery (previously hidden) of God.

c. 3:10 – Now, God’s many-sided wisdom made known by the church.

d. 3:11 – Centers upon Christ Jesus.

2. Eternal purpose has been called the Scheme of Redemption:

a. Scheme – “system” (plan, design).

b. Redemption – “deliverance” (from the penalty of sin).

3. Many people do not understand the unified nature of the Bible as it reveals the purpose of God to save man from his sins.

I. WE NEEDED GOD TO REVEAL HIS ETERNAL PLAN TO US.

A. Man is Finite – God is Infinite.

1. Man is finite:

a. We are creatures of time & space – Eccl. 1:3-4.

1) We live between the markers of birth& death – Eccl. 3:1-2.

2) We don’t have power over either – Psa. 89:47-48.

b. Our wisdom & power cannot discover God’s plans – 1:13.

1) Even Solomon, w/ all his wisdom, could not discover “the work of God” – Eccl. 8:16-17.

2) To claim ability to do so is truly foolish – Job 38:1-4; 42:1-3.

2. God is infinite:

a. Unlimited by time & space – Psa. 90:2-4; Isa. 57:15.

b. God’s wisdom far surpasses man – Isa. 55:8-9.

c. God’s power is boundless – Gen. 18:14.

B. Man is a Sinner – God is Sinless.

1. Men are sinners:

a. Through man, sin entered the world – Gen. 2:17; 3:6; Rom. 5:12.

b. Death passed to all because all sinned – Rom. 5:12; 3:23; 6:23.

c. Sin separates from God (Isa. 59:2).

d. Sinner cannot save himself from his own sins.

2. God is sinless – Rev. 4:8.

a. Only God can provide sinners salvation from sin.

b. In His son, Jesus Christ, He does – Matt. 1:21; Lk. 19:10.

C. The Way of Man is Not in Himself – Jer. 10:23.

1. Man has difficulty comprehending eternity & God’s nature.

2. Yet, many presume to know within themselves the plan of God for themselves!

3. Eph. 1:11 – God works everything according to His plan!

D. Man Needs God To Reveal His Eternal Plan of Redemption – And He Has! – Eph. 3:3-5; 1 Cor. 2:6-10, 13

1. Preserved in inspired scripture – 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

2. Read Bible & understand God’s eternal plan of salvation! (Eph. 3:3-4)

Conclusion

1. God desires the salvation of all sinners – 1 Tim. 2:3-4.

2. Salvation is by God’s grace & truth – not by human plan & design.

3. God’s plan for our salvation is fully revealed in the Bible.

4. Sinners must believe & obey in order to be saved – Mk. 16:15-16.

5. Will you?