Week 07

Ephesians Chapter 1 part 1

Chosen and Adopted

Do you prefer a long luxurious bath, or a quick shower? Both have their advantages, don’t they? But there is something to be said for running a hot bubble bath, lighting a few candles and just taking pleasure from the soothing warmth at the end of a busy day. While I am in the bath, I’m not too worried about how the hot water pipes carry the water, whether it’s heated by gas or electric, or even solar heat, I’m just enjoying the moment.

One of the books we have been using to prepare this study for you compares the next few verses of Ephesians to that experience of soaking in a bath. The author says, rather than worry about all the details, how God could have done what He has for us, why He should pour His love upon us and all the other great truths that are found in this passage, simply enjoy these wonderful words, soak in His love for you that is from before the beginning of time, bask in His care and provision.

Now read Eph 1:3-10

Make a list of all the words from there that show how extravagant is His love for you.

I’m just going to look at two of those words with you: chosen and adopted.

Some of us struggle with low self-esteem. We have such a low opinion of ourselves that we cannot believe that anyone would choose us, but these verses tell us that Almighty God in heaven chose us before the foundation of the world. These verses say that it was His desire, His will to choose us, and the reason He chose us is so that He will be praised. How can that be possible? How can His choice of me bring Him praise? I don’t know how, but I know that His word says so, so I believe it.

Look up these other verses which talk about us being chosen – believe it, it is true.

1 Peter 2:9-10

Did you notice in this passage that we are chosen individually, but we are chosen to belong together? What words does Peter use to show this?

Then read 1 Peter 2:11-12

Remember in Ephesians Paul also tells us that God’s choice of us will lead to people praising Him.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-7

When we know we have been chosen, what should our lives be to others?

I mentioned before that we are a Pentecostal church, and proud of it. What evidence of the Holy Spirit is there in these believers?

Colossians 3:12-17

Because we have been chosen, what should our response be?

But this other word, adopted, why have I singled that one out? Well, you can choose a friend, but you cannot choose a member of your family. The other day I was reading about someone who had been adopted. He said that this was so much more than being chosen. His parents could have fostered him, giving him a good home and upbringing, but they wanted to do more than that, they wanted him to be part of the family forever, they wanted him to be their very own. When God formulated His plan to send Jesus to pay the price for the forgiveness of our sins, He wanted us to become part of His family. Before Jesus came, God had many titles, Lord, Almighty, Holy One, etc but it was Jesus who taught His followers to say ‘Our Father’. God has made a way for you and I to belong to Him in the most precious sense.

Finally read Romans 8:12-18

Be encouraged! Life may not always be easy, but your Father loves you and your destiny is assured.