WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.019 Well folks, wherever you are today, whether you're here in the building or whether you're watching at home, let me encourage you to grab a Bible, or grab your Bible rather, and come with me to Ephesians chapter 1. 00:00:09.099 --> 00:00:13.900 So as I mentioned at the outset, we're beginning this new series this morning, studying this letter together. 00:00:14.960 --> 00:00:19.920 And it's so timely, I think, as we plan these preaching schedules months, months in advance. 00:00:19.980 --> 00:00:21.460 We've got no idea what's going to happen. 00:00:21.580 --> 00:00:22.640 Certainly didn't see this coming. 00:00:23.699 --> 00:00:27.820 But what a timely reminder for us to think about what it means to be church. 00:00:28.199 --> 00:00:29.780 Okay, what it means to be church. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.899 So as you're turning to Ephesians chapter 1, let me tell you what I learned really early on about my father-in-law. 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:38.200 Right? Risky to put out online, but here's what I learned about him. 00:00:38.560 --> 00:00:42.780 I learned that he was a massive, he is rather, he's a massive Doctor Who fan. 00:00:43.519 --> 00:00:43.719 Okay? 00:00:43.980 --> 00:00:51.100 And you can imagine his disappointment when he learns really early on from me that what I know about Doctor Who, I could write on the back of a postage stamp. 00:00:51.579 --> 00:00:51.760 Okay? 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:55.179 But since we're there, let me tell you, let me give you my postage stamp. 00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:55.439 Okay? 00:00:55.439 --> 00:00:57.920 Let me give you the one thing that I do know about Doctor Who. 00:00:57.920 --> 00:01:01.920 I know that there is this thing in Doctor Who called the TARDIS. 00:01:02.800 --> 00:01:02.960 Okay? 00:01:03.420 --> 00:01:06.740 You know that, the time travel machine that the doctor goes in and he travels somewhere. 00:01:07.540 --> 00:01:07.680 Okay? 00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:11.140 The only reason I know about it is because we used to live in this area of Edinburgh called the Newtown. 00:01:11.140 --> 00:01:16.700 And we just used to live around the corner from one of these old abandoned tatty looking police boxes. 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:21.939 And everybody who came to stay when we went on a walk made the same joke that never really got old. 00:01:22.040 --> 00:01:22.200 Okay? 00:01:22.420 --> 00:01:24.280 So they used to talk about the TARDIS. 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:25.739 So I know what the TARDIS is. 00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:28.859 And here's the truth about the TARDIS. 00:01:28.859 --> 00:01:35.840 If you looked at it from the outside, you would conclude that there is nothing to see there. 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:36.859 Right? 00:01:37.319 --> 00:01:37.680 Nothing. 00:01:37.739 --> 00:01:41.079 Let's just move on with nothing to see when you look at it from the outside. 00:01:42.079 --> 00:01:47.299 But see, if you step inside the thing, you realize that there's everything going on inside. 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:48.159 Right? 00:01:48.719 --> 00:01:49.739 Everything going on inside. 00:01:49.739 --> 00:01:53.379 So here we are then at this letter to the Ephesians. 00:01:54.119 --> 00:01:55.819 Written almost 2,000 years ago. 00:01:55.959 --> 00:01:58.000 Translated for us into English. 00:01:58.159 --> 00:01:59.560 Recorded for us in our Bibles. 00:02:00.219 --> 00:02:01.819 And it's all about what it means to be a Christian. 00:02:02.780 --> 00:02:06.780 And then it's all about what it means to collectively be the church. 00:02:07.619 --> 00:02:07.780 Right? 00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:08.659 And maybe you're watching this. 00:02:08.699 --> 00:02:09.240 I don't know today. 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:09.919 Wherever you are. 00:02:10.519 --> 00:02:12.359 What you think about this Christianity thing. 00:02:12.419 --> 00:02:13.459 Maybe you're watching this thinking. 00:02:13.939 --> 00:02:14.479 Are you here? 00:02:14.539 --> 00:02:16.340 And you're thinking, actually, this thing called the church. 00:02:16.579 --> 00:02:17.359 You kidding me? 00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:17.859 A big deal? 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:19.159 You kidding me? 00:02:19.159 --> 00:02:22.460 I mean, sure, I enjoy a little bit of songs of praise on a Sunday night. 00:02:22.599 --> 00:02:22.699 Right? 00:02:23.979 --> 00:02:24.299 Occasionally. 00:02:24.460 --> 00:02:25.740 Better when it was Diane Louise Jordan. 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:26.439 But I go with it. 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:27.759 You know, I love it when they sing Jerusalem. 00:02:27.979 --> 00:02:29.180 I love songs of praise. 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:31.099 I even loved the Vicar of Dibley back in the day. 00:02:31.159 --> 00:02:31.740 But are you kidding me? 00:02:31.780 --> 00:02:34.419 That group of folks that meet in the dusty old church hall down the road. 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:35.780 Are you kidding me? 00:02:37.079 --> 00:02:38.079 Not a chance I'd go there. 00:02:39.139 --> 00:02:39.500 Right? 00:02:39.560 --> 00:02:40.659 And you're thinking to yourself. 00:02:42.439 --> 00:02:44.199 What is this thing called the church all about? 00:02:44.719 --> 00:02:44.919 Right? 00:02:45.479 --> 00:02:46.819 Looks nothing from the outside. 00:02:46.819 --> 00:02:54.840 But this invitation today in this book of Ephesians, this whole letter, is an invitation to step inside the TARDIS. 00:02:55.620 --> 00:03:01.239 And see just how huge a deal the church is. 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:02.519 Right? 00:03:02.579 --> 00:03:04.340 And here's, let me give you a little spiel. 00:03:04.459 --> 00:03:05.620 This is what I mean by that. 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:05.879 Okay? 00:03:05.879 --> 00:03:11.960 So these Christians that this letter is written to are no doubt thinking that they are nothing special. 00:03:12.979 --> 00:03:13.099 Right? 00:03:13.539 --> 00:03:14.740 Two main reasons, I think. 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:16.659 Firstly, because of the city of Ephesus. 00:03:17.139 --> 00:03:17.280 Right? 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:21.019 Where they live is dominated by this goddess called Artemis. 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:22.240 Okay? 00:03:22.280 --> 00:03:26.840 She is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 00:03:26.840 --> 00:03:29.800 And here's what you would see every day if you're living your life in this city. 00:03:29.900 --> 00:03:32.319 You would see a huge temple dedicated to her. 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:35.860 You would hear loud singing directed at her. 00:03:36.080 --> 00:03:39.980 And you would see people selling shrines of her. 00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:48.719 And add to that, what happened when the Apostle Paul and the Gospel Roadshow kind of first came to Ephesus that we can read about in Acts chapter 19. 00:03:48.719 --> 00:03:53.219 What happened there as the Gospel goes forth is Jesus Christ is proclaimed. 00:03:53.539 --> 00:03:55.240 There is a massive movement of God. 00:03:56.099 --> 00:03:56.300 Right? 00:03:56.360 --> 00:03:57.419 You can check it out in your own time. 00:03:57.520 --> 00:03:58.259 There are healings. 00:03:58.379 --> 00:03:59.360 There are signs and wonders. 00:03:59.840 --> 00:04:05.860 As God verifies Paul, puts his stamp of approval on him and his message in the eyes of the watching world. 00:04:08.020 --> 00:04:11.840 But now you're probably looking at five or ten, something in between there. 00:04:12.340 --> 00:04:15.639 Years after that episode in Acts 19. 00:04:15.639 --> 00:04:19.639 And not only is that sort of stuff most likely dried up completely. 00:04:21.459 --> 00:04:23.199 But Paul finds himself in prison. 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:24.379 Right? 00:04:24.419 --> 00:04:26.560 It's never a good look, is it, when your founder's in the clink. 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:27.500 Okay? 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:28.279 He's in prison. 00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:31.099 And people probably say, see, told you. 00:04:31.719 --> 00:04:32.180 Told you. 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:35.579 Just let the circus roll into town, rolled out, and the guy's in prison. 00:04:35.819 --> 00:04:37.000 Game's over for Christianity. 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:40.379 So there you are. 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:42.979 This unimpressive looking church. 00:04:42.980 --> 00:04:47.840 Full of unspectacular people living your life in the big bag city of Ephesus. 00:04:48.160 --> 00:04:48.520 Ephesus. 00:04:48.740 --> 00:04:48.879 Right? 00:04:49.960 --> 00:04:50.860 Thinking to yourself. 00:04:50.960 --> 00:04:52.840 And I wonder if you've ever asked this question in your head. 00:04:52.960 --> 00:04:53.240 Right? 00:04:53.520 --> 00:04:54.379 As you follow Jesus. 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:56.640 Have I backed the wrong horse? 00:04:58.120 --> 00:04:58.360 Right? 00:04:58.439 --> 00:05:00.420 Have I made the wrong decision? 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:03.040 You know, I had something of this feeling last summer. 00:05:04.020 --> 00:05:06.220 You know, we went down to a family wedding down in London. 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:06.439 Right? 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:08.580 So we're walking about London in the days after it. 00:05:09.259 --> 00:05:11.300 And I went to meet a friend for lunch right in the city centre. 00:05:12.079 --> 00:05:13.560 And I remember walking. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:16.379 All of a sudden, turning the corner and vumpf, there's the shard. 00:05:17.039 --> 00:05:17.219 Right? 00:05:17.279 --> 00:05:17.919 You've been to the shard? 00:05:19.359 --> 00:05:20.319 It's enormous. 00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:23.800 I just couldn't get over how big the thing is. 00:05:23.819 --> 00:05:24.620 And it screams at you. 00:05:24.659 --> 00:05:26.000 It's almost like everyone passing by. 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:27.279 Your eyes are drawn there. 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:29.060 And this thing is screaming at you. 00:05:29.219 --> 00:05:30.079 Here is power. 00:05:30.699 --> 00:05:30.959 Right? 00:05:31.060 --> 00:05:32.359 This is where business is done. 00:05:32.459 --> 00:05:33.599 This is where deals are made. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:35.620 This is where money is made. 00:05:35.699 --> 00:05:37.039 Right here is the shard. 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:38.959 So I'm thinking, wow, that seems impressive. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:41.739 There's part of you that almost wants to bow down and worship the thing. 00:05:41.799 --> 00:05:43.240 I mean, it's massive. 00:05:44.779 --> 00:05:48.159 And then a few weeks later, fast forward, I find myself back in church, back in my room. 00:05:48.419 --> 00:05:49.060 In the office. 00:05:49.299 --> 00:05:49.479 Right? 00:05:49.560 --> 00:05:51.000 And I'm having a showdown with a mouse. 00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:56.079 The thing's looking at me as if to say, oh, we had a big party when you were away. 00:05:56.379 --> 00:05:56.539 Right? 00:05:56.699 --> 00:05:57.759 Just looking at a mouse. 00:05:57.759 --> 00:06:00.180 In that moment, it occurs to me. 00:06:01.219 --> 00:06:05.699 See if you're having a straight shootout between the church and the world in terms of what looks impressive. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:08.000 Between Christianity and what the world has to offer. 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:09.599 Friends, there's only one winner there. 00:06:10.839 --> 00:06:12.019 There's only one winner there. 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:15.939 But we're not in the game of trying to out-cool the world. 00:06:17.060 --> 00:06:17.319 Right? 00:06:18.560 --> 00:06:19.399 Here it is. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:21.019 The letter to the Ephesians. 00:06:21.019 --> 00:06:28.859 And this is all about how the God of the universe has made his wisdom and his power known to the watching world. 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:29.699 And do you know what it is? 00:06:29.779 --> 00:06:32.879 To be found precisely in that which looks unimpressive. 00:06:32.879 --> 00:06:38.819 So let me invite you then to come with me to the first 14 verses of chapter 1. 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:41.959 And let's step inside the spiritual TARDIS. 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:42.500 Okay? 00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:43.139 If you've got it there. 00:06:43.240 --> 00:06:44.240 Here's what Paul writes. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:07:04.300 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:07:04.300 --> 00:07:11.139 Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:19.139 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:27.259 In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will. 00:07:27.360 --> 00:07:32.860 To the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given us in the one he loves. 00:07:32.860 --> 00:07:36.639 In him we have redemption through his blood. 00:07:37.400 --> 00:07:42.680 The forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. 00:07:43.340 --> 00:07:48.180 With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure. 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:49.699 Which he purposed in Christ. 00:07:50.460 --> 00:07:53.280 To be put into effect when the times reached their fulfillment. 00:07:53.480 --> 00:07:58.300 To bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 00:07:58.300 --> 00:08:09.100 In him we were also chosen having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:16.240 In order that we who were the first to put our hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory. 00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:21.040 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth. 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:22.560 The gospel of your salvation. 00:08:22.960 --> 00:08:25.920 When you believed you were marked in him with a seal. 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:29.360 The promised holy spirit. 00:08:30.100 --> 00:08:32.980 Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:36.100 Until the redemption of those who are God's possession. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:38.039 To the praise of his glory. 00:08:39.259 --> 00:08:39.659 Amen. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:42.279 And this is God's holy and inspired word. 00:08:42.279 --> 00:08:43.279 God's holy and God's holy and God's holy. 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:45.919 Some very deep things going on in there. 00:08:46.139 --> 00:08:46.339 Right. 00:08:46.419 --> 00:08:49.299 But let me give you a really simple structure. 00:08:49.459 --> 00:08:50.740 You're into football formations. 00:08:50.959 --> 00:08:51.079 Right. 00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:51.919 Which I kind of am. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:52.539 Right. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:54.379 Let me give you the formation of the sermon here. 00:08:54.559 --> 00:08:55.379 Here's the digits. 00:08:55.579 --> 00:08:55.759 Okay. 00:08:55.939 --> 00:08:56.279 One. 00:08:56.559 --> 00:08:56.959 Two. 00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:57.480 One. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:08:58.699 Remember that? 00:08:59.179 --> 00:08:59.559 One. 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:00.199 Two. 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:00.799 One. 00:09:01.439 --> 00:09:01.819 Right. 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:03.379 One phrase we need to see. 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:06.480 Two truths that we need to grasp. 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:08.899 And then one response that we need to make. 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:10.059 Got it? 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:10.319 One. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:10.500 Two. 00:09:10.579 --> 00:09:10.740 One. 00:09:10.839 --> 00:09:11.439 Let's go for it. 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:11.600 Okay. 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:13.360 So here's the one phrase that we need to see. 00:09:14.200 --> 00:09:18.879 And it's Paul's favorite way of helping a Christian understand who they are. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:21.940 And you've noticed the repetition, I'm sure, as you looked at it there. 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:24.320 And it occurs nine times in this opening section. 00:09:24.440 --> 00:09:25.740 And here's the phrase. 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:27.360 It's in Christ. 00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:28.580 Right. 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:29.139 You see it? 00:09:29.340 --> 00:09:30.019 In Christ. 00:09:30.100 --> 00:09:31.040 Or in him. 00:09:31.100 --> 00:09:31.940 It's the same thing. 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:33.340 In Christ. 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:33.899 In him. 00:09:33.899 --> 00:09:37.259 You know, on my phone I've got this app called Find My Friends. 00:09:37.540 --> 00:09:37.660 Right. 00:09:37.680 --> 00:09:39.019 I don't know if you've got it on your phone. 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:39.720 Find My Friends. 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:40.779 I say friends. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:41.699 I've got one friend. 00:09:42.519 --> 00:09:42.879 Right. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:43.720 My wife Alex. 00:09:43.899 --> 00:09:47.399 Just really helpful to know where she is when you're putting on a dinner or something like that. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:48.199 Here's what happens. 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:49.019 I click on her name. 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:51.720 And up comes this little blue dot. 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:53.100 Like blue dot. 00:09:53.100 --> 00:09:57.759 And it's my, it's the app's way of saying this is where she is. 00:09:58.460 --> 00:09:58.720 Right. 00:09:58.759 --> 00:09:59.860 This is where you'll find her. 00:10:00.379 --> 00:10:01.259 This is her location. 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:05.759 And this is all about where the Christian is located. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:06.420 This phrase. 00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:07.060 Right. 00:10:07.560 --> 00:10:10.840 What Paul's saying here is that the life of the Christian believer. 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:12.019 Okay. 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:13.460 You might be physically in Ephesus. 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:15.060 You might be physically in Edinburgh. 00:10:15.059 --> 00:10:19.219 But spiritually where every single one of us who believes in Jesus is located. 00:10:20.179 --> 00:10:21.899 Is in Christ. 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:23.759 Okay. 00:10:24.619 --> 00:10:25.500 In Christ. 00:10:25.979 --> 00:10:27.379 Our lives are hidden in him. 00:10:27.779 --> 00:10:29.419 Our lives are bound to him. 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:31.439 And our lives are caught up with him. 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:32.239 It's what we were singing. 00:10:32.319 --> 00:10:34.279 If you think about it in that opening song. 00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:36.139 I am his and he is mine. 00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:37.079 Okay. 00:10:38.299 --> 00:10:41.839 Meaning that everything he has achieved is now ours. 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:43.960 And what we've hit here. 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:46.759 And we've only got so much time to deal with this here. 00:10:47.040 --> 00:10:50.500 Is this wonderful doctrine of our union with Jesus Christ. 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:51.300 Right. 00:10:51.379 --> 00:10:54.220 Our union with Jesus Christ. 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:56.420 And you know when you think about it. 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:57.240 You read in the gospels. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:58.600 You read in John 15. 00:10:58.700 --> 00:11:01.360 Jesus trying to explain to his disciples their relationship with him. 00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:02.660 And how does he describe it? 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:05.060 He talks about how he is the vine. 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:06.820 And they are the branches. 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:08.000 Isn't that a wonderful metaphor? 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.820 You know we discovered. 00:11:09.820 --> 00:11:12.800 In the last kind of three months during lockdown. 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:13.640 That our house. 00:11:13.800 --> 00:11:14.200 Our garden. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:15.100 Has an apple tree. 00:11:15.280 --> 00:11:15.379 Right. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.920 Never discovered this before. 00:11:17.020 --> 00:11:18.040 Never put it in the fine print. 00:11:18.180 --> 00:11:19.840 But discovered it's got an apple tree. 00:11:19.920 --> 00:11:20.800 And trying to explain to our girls. 00:11:20.860 --> 00:11:21.860 How did those apples come? 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:22.180 Well. 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:25.640 It's because the branches are connected to the vine of the tree. 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:27.940 And the sap just runs right through it. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:28.800 And there's life in the tree. 00:11:30.060 --> 00:11:30.460 Connected. 00:11:31.420 --> 00:11:31.940 Do you see it? 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:33.100 Our lives. 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:34.160 We're in Edinburgh. 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:35.620 But our lives. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:36.780 Spiritually speaking. 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:38.700 Are in Jesus Christ. 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:42.379 And so flowing from that one phrase that we need to see. 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:45.640 Here are the two truths that we need to grasp. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:46.620 Okay. 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:47.220 Firstly. 00:11:48.160 --> 00:11:50.680 That we've been given a better identity. 00:11:51.840 --> 00:11:52.100 Okay. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:54.280 You know a few weeks ago I found myself browsing. 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:57.020 In the charity shops and morning sites. 00:11:57.160 --> 00:11:57.240 Right. 00:11:57.280 --> 00:11:58.360 I love a charity shop. 00:11:58.660 --> 00:12:00.000 Going around this charity shop. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.360 And do you know what I found right at the back? 00:12:02.040 --> 00:12:02.840 It was guess who. 00:12:03.860 --> 00:12:04.100 Okay. 00:12:04.280 --> 00:12:05.420 Loved that game when I was young. 00:12:05.700 --> 00:12:06.700 And I thought I'll buy that. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:08.100 And I'll teach it to the girls. 00:12:08.460 --> 00:12:08.580 Okay. 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:09.340 Our two little girls. 00:12:09.540 --> 00:12:11.300 And we've loved it playing this game. 00:12:11.420 --> 00:12:12.980 You know what it's like if you've played it before. 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:14.060 They're asking their questions. 00:12:14.680 --> 00:12:16.200 Does your person have any hair? 00:12:17.080 --> 00:12:17.300 Right. 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:17.620 No. 00:12:18.140 --> 00:12:18.360 Okay. 00:12:19.160 --> 00:12:20.660 Is your person old? 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:21.840 Yes. 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:22.740 Okay. 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:23.740 You're old and you're bald. 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:24.680 That's the Scottish version. 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:28.120 But eventually what is it? 00:12:28.139 --> 00:12:29.379 You get down to one person don't you? 00:12:29.479 --> 00:12:30.479 You get down to one person. 00:12:30.839 --> 00:12:31.620 And you scream at it. 00:12:31.859 --> 00:12:32.399 You're Kyle. 00:12:32.859 --> 00:12:33.019 Right. 00:12:33.059 --> 00:12:33.500 You're Anita. 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:34.739 You're Hans. 00:12:35.739 --> 00:12:36.759 This is who you are. 00:12:37.239 --> 00:12:37.879 You know let me ask you. 00:12:37.939 --> 00:12:39.279 If you were the last person. 00:12:39.639 --> 00:12:40.379 On guess who. 00:12:40.479 --> 00:12:41.299 This was your card. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.399 What would be the things that identify you? 00:12:44.219 --> 00:12:44.399 Right. 00:12:44.439 --> 00:12:45.439 What is true of you? 00:12:46.479 --> 00:12:46.739 Right. 00:12:48.339 --> 00:12:49.139 I'm an accountant. 00:12:49.299 --> 00:12:49.859 I'm a doctor. 00:12:50.539 --> 00:12:50.939 Right. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:51.520 I'm married. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:52.440 I'm single. 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:53.440 I'm a student. 00:12:54.140 --> 00:12:54.880 I'm African. 00:12:55.060 --> 00:12:55.480 I'm European. 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:58.420 All these different things in our lives that can identify us. 00:12:58.860 --> 00:12:58.980 Right. 00:13:00.580 --> 00:13:01.280 But if you're a Christian. 00:13:01.460 --> 00:13:02.680 Here is what's true of you. 00:13:03.660 --> 00:13:03.940 Okay. 00:13:04.340 --> 00:13:05.100 Spiritually speaking. 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.040 Verse 4 and 5. 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:07.800 And there's three of these that come up in this section. 00:13:08.160 --> 00:13:09.220 Here's the first one that's true. 00:13:09.660 --> 00:13:11.580 You are chosen by God the Father. 00:13:12.940 --> 00:13:13.180 Okay. 00:13:13.220 --> 00:13:13.620 Do you see it? 00:13:13.640 --> 00:13:16.340 Because of his great love for you. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:17.720 Now stop and think about that. 00:13:17.780 --> 00:13:19.180 His great love for us. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:22.079 This is what's driving all of this. 00:13:22.159 --> 00:13:23.120 His great love for us. 00:13:23.219 --> 00:13:26.519 That God put his hand on our lives. 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:28.939 And determined that at a certain point in time. 00:13:29.339 --> 00:13:30.759 Which was verse 13. 00:13:30.859 --> 00:13:34.599 When we heard and responded with belief in the gospel message. 00:13:35.079 --> 00:13:36.099 We would be his. 00:13:37.919 --> 00:13:39.939 And when did God make that choice? 00:13:40.439 --> 00:13:43.139 Did he make it when you and I first picked up our Bibles? 00:13:43.139 --> 00:13:46.799 Did he make it when you and I clocked up enough time doing good deeds? 00:13:46.799 --> 00:13:50.000 Did it come when you and I spent enough time in the pews in church? 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:50.579 No. 00:13:50.699 --> 00:13:51.679 When did God love us? 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:52.639 He loved us. 00:13:52.719 --> 00:13:53.399 And get this. 00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:57.679 Before the foundation of the world. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:02.159 Before or the creation. 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.299 Some of your translations might say. 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:05.539 Before the creation of the world. 00:14:05.639 --> 00:14:06.079 Get that. 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:08.959 Is that not mind blowing? 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:11.980 And you think to yourself. 00:14:12.160 --> 00:14:12.860 But I don't. 00:14:14.160 --> 00:14:16.139 Understand exactly how that works. 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:17.040 And friends I take it. 00:14:17.100 --> 00:14:18.000 There is a wonderfully. 00:14:18.660 --> 00:14:20.700 Profound mystery to how this works. 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:23.720 I know it's so important. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:25.040 That we don't take our limited. 00:14:25.780 --> 00:14:28.220 Ability to comprehend the mind of God. 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:30.379 And superimpose that in the text. 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:33.560 And say how does this fit with my understanding of how life works? 00:14:33.800 --> 00:14:35.300 But actually we do it the other way around. 00:14:35.299 --> 00:14:38.240 That we come to the text with humility. 00:14:39.199 --> 00:14:42.279 And we allow it to inform and reform our minds. 00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:44.979 Now think of these two interplays. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:45.779 How do these work? 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:47.459 How does the sovereignty of God. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:50.099 And human responsibility. 00:14:50.439 --> 00:14:51.120 How do these work? 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:53.879 I think of Charles Spurgeon who was once asked by somebody. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:55.319 How do these two things work? 00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:56.879 How do you reconcile these truths? 00:14:57.319 --> 00:14:58.919 And Charles Spurgeon simply replied. 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:01.679 Dear friend I've got no need to reconcile friends. 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:07.759 I believe it because it's true. 00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:09.139 And here's the thing. 00:15:09.199 --> 00:15:10.120 These Ephesian believers. 00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:11.199 He doesn't write this. 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:13.579 So that they can go off and have a theological discussion. 00:15:13.579 --> 00:15:14.479 As to how this works. 00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:16.299 He writes this for their assurance. 00:15:16.819 --> 00:15:19.339 That this God has loved them. 00:15:20.219 --> 00:15:21.699 Will never stop loving them. 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:23.359 And that Christ has them. 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:25.319 It's for their assurance that he writes this. 00:15:25.979 --> 00:15:28.019 I think this song we sometimes sing here. 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:28.939 Stuart Townend. 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:31.660 Loved before the dawn of time. 00:15:31.880 --> 00:15:33.280 Chosen by my maker. 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:34.540 Hidden in my saviour. 00:15:34.660 --> 00:15:35.460 I am his. 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:36.840 And he is mine. 00:15:37.020 --> 00:15:38.440 Cherished for eternity. 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:39.920 We've been adopted. 00:15:40.100 --> 00:15:41.180 Do you notice as sons? 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.560 Okay verse 5. 00:15:43.640 --> 00:15:44.680 It's not a sexist comment. 00:15:44.780 --> 00:15:45.760 It's just true in this day. 00:15:45.900 --> 00:15:48.580 That the sons are the ones who inherited everything from their father. 00:15:48.660 --> 00:15:49.300 That's his point. 00:15:50.520 --> 00:15:51.760 We've been chosen by God the father. 00:15:51.880 --> 00:15:52.320 Verse 7. 00:15:52.380 --> 00:15:53.900 We've been redeemed by God the son. 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.240 So he flips the language here. 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:57.480 Now it's the slave market. 00:15:57.480 --> 00:15:59.460 God the son sought us out. 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:00.940 And bought us for himself. 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:03.620 Bought us for himself. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:04.420 Do you see it? 00:16:04.539 --> 00:16:06.519 Redeemed from sin who was our master. 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:07.800 Sin has no hold on us. 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:08.639 Now. 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:09.940 What was the price? 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:11.200 His precious blood. 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:12.960 On the cross. 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:15.700 Such a big theme as you go through this letter. 00:16:15.800 --> 00:16:16.379 What did he say? 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:17.700 He said my life for his. 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:18.340 He's mine. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:19.680 She's mine. 00:16:23.420 --> 00:16:25.180 And forgiveness is what we know. 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:26.739 From our sins. 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:30.739 She would have been redeemed by God the son. 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:31.419 In verse 13. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.659 We've been sealed by God the spirit. 00:16:34.319 --> 00:16:34.500 Okay. 00:16:34.839 --> 00:16:36.559 God put his mark on us. 00:16:36.579 --> 00:16:38.500 As the spirit indwells us. 00:16:38.559 --> 00:16:39.859 It's what your parents used to do at school. 00:16:39.959 --> 00:16:40.099 Right. 00:16:40.179 --> 00:16:41.559 I remember we did this recently. 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:42.899 Our little girl started primary school. 00:16:43.319 --> 00:16:44.559 Somebody gave us this little tip. 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:45.179 Right. 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:46.799 Put her name on everything that you find. 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:48.279 Everything that's hers. 00:16:48.359 --> 00:16:49.059 Get the name on it. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:49.339 Okay. 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.420 So jumpers. 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:51.300 Lunchbox. 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:52.019 School shoes. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.620 Get her name on the inside of it. 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:53.820 Right. 00:16:54.040 --> 00:16:55.139 Mark it as hers. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:59.600 Because you want to identify her stuff from all the rest that look like it. 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:01.560 And that's what God has done here. 00:17:01.660 --> 00:17:02.399 He's stamped. 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:05.640 Obviously like his name on us. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:06.539 We're his. 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:08.759 The seal of the spirit. 00:17:08.880 --> 00:17:10.900 The very presence of God living in us. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.340 Who is the guarantee. 00:17:13.340 --> 00:17:15.819 And I know there's a lot of big concepts we're rattling through here. 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:16.419 But stick with me. 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:17.019 The guarantee. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:17.939 Verse 14. 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:20.119 Of our heavenly inheritance. 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:20.759 In other words. 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:22.119 God is going to do the job. 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:22.619 You know. 00:17:22.639 --> 00:17:23.480 With the experience recently. 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:24.679 We went to buy a car. 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:26.500 Put down a deposit for it. 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:27.339 Okay. 00:17:27.399 --> 00:17:28.519 But it wasn't ours yet. 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:29.259 It was only ours. 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:30.559 When we went to the garage. 00:17:30.879 --> 00:17:32.059 Paid the rest of the deposit. 00:17:32.179 --> 00:17:32.519 And all of a sudden. 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:33.939 I'm not looking at the car on the website. 00:17:34.139 --> 00:17:35.559 I'm driving the car for myself. 00:17:37.399 --> 00:17:38.359 That's what God has done. 00:17:38.359 --> 00:17:39.980 The spirit is ours. 00:17:40.139 --> 00:17:41.339 And it's God's way of saying. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:42.399 I will finish the job. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.319 I will get you home. 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:48.859 It's the presence of the spirit in our lives. 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:50.099 He guarantees our inheritance. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:50.500 Folks. 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.460 Bring those three together. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:53.079 Chosen by God the Father. 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:54.220 This is your identity. 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:55.879 If you're a believer this morning in Jesus. 00:17:56.099 --> 00:17:57.179 Chosen by God the Father. 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:59.039 Redeemed by God the Son. 00:17:59.939 --> 00:18:01.159 And sealed with God the Spirit. 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:04.059 And do you see how the Father, the Son and the Spirit. 00:18:04.399 --> 00:18:07.139 Do you see how God could not be more committed to you and I? 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:08.460 Do you see it? 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:09.259 Praise. 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:10.019 Praise the Father. 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:10.860 Praise the Son. 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:12.720 Praise the Spirit. 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:13.500 Three in one. 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:14.319 Oh, praise Him. 00:18:14.340 --> 00:18:15.240 This is Paul's point. 00:18:15.440 --> 00:18:16.900 God is committed to you. 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:21.500 I've been given a better identity. 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:23.319 Secondly, we have. 00:18:23.840 --> 00:18:26.200 We are now part of, rather, a bigger story. 00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:27.840 Okay. 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:28.299 What is it? 00:18:29.100 --> 00:18:31.079 That Robert Burns phrase that we all use. 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:35.600 You know, the best made plans of mice and men. 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:36.440 It's what we always say, isn't it? 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:37.320 The best made plans. 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:39.080 And boy, are we living that just now. 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:42.100 In this season of life, it doesn't matter who you are. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.160 It doesn't matter if you're a plumber. 00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.460 It doesn't matter if you're a politician. 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:45.799 Right? 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:48.160 Your plans are all over the place. 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:50.680 You feel like that little niche illustration here. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:52.240 But that little character in Mario Kart. 00:18:52.340 --> 00:18:54.000 You're driving along going full clappers. 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:55.279 And all of a sudden, you've hit the banana skin. 00:18:55.380 --> 00:18:56.460 And you're spinning off. 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:59.259 That's what it feels like, doesn't it? 00:18:59.259 --> 00:19:03.340 But here's what Paul wants these Christians to see when it comes to plans. 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:04.480 Okay? 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.680 God's got a plan. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.980 God's got a plan. 00:19:07.060 --> 00:19:07.380 Do you see it? 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:07.900 Verse 10. 00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:11.660 A plan that all of history is moving towards. 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:20.779 And it's a plan to one day unite all things in heaven and on earth in Jesus Christ. 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:29.820 In other words, God has eternally been working towards gathering for himself a people who will praise his name, 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:33.759 who will enjoy and worship him in a renewed creation. 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:34.559 Okay? 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:38.660 As Vaughan Roberts, who's a wonderful Anglican minister down south, puts it, 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:45.900 this is God's people living in God's place, living under God's rule and enjoying God's blessing. 00:19:46.140 --> 00:19:49.200 This is where the story is going. 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:53.619 And how is God bringing that about in Christ? 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:55.019 We're back to that phrase again. 00:19:55.619 --> 00:19:55.899 Right? 00:19:56.119 --> 00:20:00.219 Through his life, through his death on the cross, through his resurrection. 00:20:01.179 --> 00:20:05.559 God is accomplishing this grand purpose to what to the world look like foolishness. 00:20:06.459 --> 00:20:06.719 Right? 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:11.500 And as Jesus has proclaimed and as people come to trust Jesus for himself. 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.779 Now, here's what I want us to know. 00:20:12.839 --> 00:20:17.059 It may look like, friends, you and I's plans are all over the place at the minute. 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:22.779 But what we've got to understand is that God's plan is bang on track. 00:20:22.779 --> 00:20:25.960 And that's the plan that you and I are now caught up in. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:26.599 Right? 00:20:26.639 --> 00:20:29.019 We're part of this bigger story. 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:31.339 Let me just give you two quick examples of this. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:31.519 Right? 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:32.259 And then we're almost done. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:32.940 Right? 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:35.180 I heard a story this week about a pastor in Tehran. 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.099 Right? 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:36.819 In Asia. 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.579 He didn't know what to do when the virus hit. 00:20:39.660 --> 00:20:39.839 Right? 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:42.680 I didn't have a clue what to do when the virus hit as a pastor. 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:45.000 But what he did is he started scrolling through his phone. 00:20:45.619 --> 00:20:45.960 Right? 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:47.599 Looking for people in his congregation. 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.720 He started ringing people. 00:20:49.160 --> 00:20:49.279 Right? 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:50.059 Can I pray with you? 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:50.899 How can I help you? 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:55.340 Anyway, after a while of doing that, he gets in touch with a friend of a friend. 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:59.960 Who's in, I think he was in almost an intensive care in a hospital. 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:01.759 So, pastor goes to go with him. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.540 Goes to see him. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.540 Prays with him. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.660 Tells him about Jesus. 00:21:05.300 --> 00:21:06.140 And leaves. 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:09.180 A couple of days later, this guy makes a full recovery. 00:21:09.800 --> 00:21:09.980 Right? 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:10.440 He's healed. 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:12.360 Gives his life to Jesus. 00:21:13.620 --> 00:21:14.759 Gets up out of the bed. 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:16.540 Starts telling everyone else in the world about Jesus. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:18.400 They become Christians too. 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:21.400 God is at work, friends. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.580 We don't understand it. 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:23.700 Our plans are all over the place. 00:21:23.800 --> 00:21:25.000 His plan is bang on track. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.420 You know, second illustration. 00:21:26.800 --> 00:21:27.820 When I lived in Aberdeen. 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:28.380 Okay? 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:32.460 Right at the bottom of our street was a church called King's Church. 00:21:32.560 --> 00:21:34.259 Maybe 150 people or so. 00:21:34.540 --> 00:21:34.700 Right? 00:21:35.060 --> 00:21:36.680 Nothing really spectacular when you look to them. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.340 Lovely people. 00:21:37.780 --> 00:21:40.400 All of a sudden, 12 years after I've left. 00:21:40.800 --> 00:21:41.759 Heard this week in the news. 00:21:41.820 --> 00:21:43.960 You might have seen it on the BBC News website this week. 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:45.400 That church has mushroomed. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:46.540 Right? 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:48.319 I think they're well over a thousand people now. 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:55.099 And while the economy up there is dipping, they are increasing in their resources. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:56.019 What people are giving. 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:56.920 Okay? 00:21:57.240 --> 00:22:02.220 And what they bought this week, because they outgrew their premises, they bought the exhibition centre up there. 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:03.159 Right? 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:07.079 Which, when I was there, was the biggest event centre up there. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:07.579 Right? 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:08.579 Concerts. 00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:10.180 Big names were there. 00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:13.799 How incredible is that, that in God's purposes, there's a church now there. 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:15.580 Worshipping Jesus. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:19.100 Friends, our plans might be all over the place. 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:22.199 But God's plan is bang on track. 00:22:23.199 --> 00:22:24.000 It's bang on track. 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.980 This is what he's doing. 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:30.879 And this is the story that by sheer grace, friends, that we are now part of. 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:33.279 We've got a better identity. 00:22:34.399 --> 00:22:35.939 And we're part of a bigger story. 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:41.480 And in light of all that, finally, really quickly, there's one response that we need to make. 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:42.000 Okay? 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.299 Verse 3. 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.259 How does he open this? 00:22:44.859 --> 00:22:47.759 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:48.500 Right? 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:50.099 This gloriously good God. 00:22:50.099 --> 00:22:51.099 This is what he's done. 00:22:51.420 --> 00:22:52.920 This gloriously good God. 00:22:53.880 --> 00:22:56.180 And it's one of praise to see this reaction. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:56.460 Right? 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:57.099 Verse 3. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:58.839 To the praise of his glorious grace. 00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.039 Sorry. 00:22:59.140 --> 00:22:59.619 Verse 6. 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:01.279 To the praise of his glorious grace. 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.579 Verse 12. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.720 That our lives might be for the praise of his glory. 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.539 Verse 14. 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:07.059 To the praise of his glory. 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:10.700 Almost like one for the Father, one for the Son, one for the Spirit. 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:12.140 Praise. 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:12.920 Praise. 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:14.120 Praise him. 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:18.100 And that's the response, friends, that we're meant to make to this. 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:28.039 As we marvel at what he's done for this, the response that our hearts, of course, the one that they're designed to make, is to praise him. 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:30.180 Praise my soul, the King of heaven. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:32.720 To his feet your tribute bring. 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:34.980 Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven. 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:37.420 Evermore his praises sing. 00:23:37.559 --> 00:23:38.200 Praise him. 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.279 Praise him. 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:40.000 Praise him. 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:40.580 Praise him. 00:23:40.579 --> 00:23:43.359 And praise the everlasting King. 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:46.019 And so this church, here they are. 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:48.819 This group of unspectacular looking Christians. 00:23:48.919 --> 00:23:51.679 Who think they are nothing in their city of Ephesus. 00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:56.619 Look at them from the outside and you'd conclude that there's nothing to see here. 00:23:58.460 --> 00:24:01.039 But come with me inside the spiritual TARDIS, says Paul. 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:08.139 And let me show that because God is this kind of God, there's everything going on here. 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:10.720 So why don't we pray. 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:16.080 And let me just take a moment, wherever we are with the Lord. 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:21.300 And let's just spend some time with him. 00:24:21.780 --> 00:24:22.900 Maybe just in the quiet. 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:24.820 And then I'll close us in prayer. 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:52.679 And so, Father, we thank you. 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.680 And praise you. 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:54.880 And praise you. 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:57.259 That you are this kind of God. 00:24:58.519 --> 00:25:00.200 You are the God of all grace. 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:04.340 Father, thank you for your precious word. 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.660 Lord, where would we be without this? 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:07.000 We wouldn't know who you are. 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:08.059 We wouldn't know what you've done. 00:25:08.160 --> 00:25:10.620 And yet, Father, thank you that this screams at us this morning. 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:13.259 That you are a God who has given everything for us. 00:25:13.319 --> 00:25:14.960 You are committed to us, your people. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:18.200 And so, Father, we do praise you for who you are. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:21.000 Just pray for people this morning, Lord. 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:23.400 Whatever they're at, whether they're at home, whether they're here, Father. 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:26.039 In each of our hearts, that you would be at work by your spirit. 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:30.579 Helping us to understand more of this in our lives. 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:34.980 Lord, we pray in Jesus' precious and in his worthy name. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.620 Amen. 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:36.759 Amen. 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.759 Amen. 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:38.759 Amen.