March 12, 2017 – Ephesians 1:6-10

Lesson Date: March 12, 2017

Focal Scripture Passage: Ephesians 1:6-10

AIM: To lead students to describe the work of God the Son in salvation, and to respond to His work by committing to take the message of redemption to lost people.

Before class: Read the notes on Ephesians 1:6-10 found in the Sunday School Teacher Book. Write the following scripture references on index cards or slips of paper: Romans 3:10-12, 23; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 20:1-6. Enlist some class members who are comfortable reading aloud to look up the scriptures and be prepared to read them to the class when called upon. Write the word “Slavery” on the marker board or chalkboard.

INTRODUCTION (Create Learning Readiness): Direct the class’ attention to the word “Slavery” written on the board. Tell the class that in ancient times slavery was a very common thing. We find the idea of slavery very repulsive today, but in the past it was a normal and accepted part of life.

Explain that there were several ways a person could end up being a slave. Some were kidnapped and forced into slavery, while others became slaves after being defeated by an invading army. Many were born into slavery, having never known freedom at all. Some were sold into slavery to pay a debt. Regardless of how someone became a slave, he or she was regarded as nothing more than a piece of property.

Tell the students that many ancient towns had slave markets, in which human beings were auctioned to the highest bidder. Stress the fact that the slaves had absolutely no rights or choice in the matter: they became the property of whoever chose to pay the purchase price. Tell the class that in today’s lesson they will learn about the purchase price Jesus Christ paid for us.

HEART OF THE LESSON (Bible Study):

1. Review.
   2. Ask a volunteer to read Ephesians 1:1-2.
   3. Remind the class that Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesian believers while he was a prisoner in Rome (locate Rome and Ephesus on the map)
   4. Remind them that Ephesians 1:3-14 tells about the involvement of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in our salvation.
   5. Ask if any volunteer would recite last week’s memory verse (Eph. 1:3).
   6. Read Ephesians 1:3-5.
   7. Ask: “What three important things did God the Father do for us in salvation?” (He blessed us, chose us, and adopted us).
   8. Tell the class today’s lesson is about the role of God the Son in our salvation.
2. Accepted in Jesus Christ.
   6. Ask a volunteer to read Ephesians 1:6.
   7. As we just stated, verses 3-5 reveal that if we are saved God the Father blessed us, chose us, and adopted
   8. Ask: “According to verse 6, why did He do these wonderful things for us?” (to bring praise to the glory of His grace).
   9. In other words, when dirty sinners who could never save themselves are redeemed and begin living like children of God, that brings praise to the Lord and his grace.
   10. Ask: “What else does verse 6 say that God did for us?” (He made us accepted in the beloved.
   11. Explain that the word beloved is verse 6 refers to God the Son – the Lord Jesus Christ.
   12. Ask: “Have you ever felt that you were not accepted – perhaps in your school or work place or even in your family?”
   13. Stress the fact that acceptance is a very important need in our lives.
   14. Ask: “Why do we need to be accepted by God? Why weren’t we acceptable just by being born?” (because we are sinners).
   15. To more fully answer those questions, call for the previously enlisted volunteers to read Romans 3:10-12, 23 and Hebrews 11:6.
   16. Tell the class that sin separates us from God. There is no way we can be acceptable to Him except through Jesus Christ.
   17. Say: “IF YOU ARE SAVED, God the Son has made you accepted in Him.”
   18. Write the word “Accepted” on the board.
   19. Ask the students for responses to this wonderful truth.
3. Redeemed through Christ’s Blood.
   1. Ask the class to listen for the next thing God the Son did for us, as you read the first half of Ephesians 1:7 (He redeemed us: “In whom we have redemption through his blood”).
   2. Tell the class that the Greek word translated redemption in this verse literally means to pay the purchase price for a slave and then set that slave free.
   3. Turn to the board and draw a line through the word “Slavery.” Write the word “Redeemed” on the board.
   4. Ask everyone to look back at the first half of verse 7. Ask: “What was the cost of our redemption?” (the blood of Jesus Christ).
   5. Call for the previously enlisted volunteers to read 1 Peter 1:18-19 and Hebrews 9:12.
   6. Ask the class if there is any other way to be redeemed other than through the blood of Jesus Christ (no).
   7. Since redemption is only possible through the blood of Jesus, those who teach that people can be saved by good works or by human effort are teaching heresy!
   8. Say: “IF YOU ARE SAVED, God the Son has redeemed you through His blood.”
   9. Ask the students for responses to this wonderful truth.
4. Forgiven through Christ’s Grace.
   1. Tell the class verse 7 contains something else God the Son did for us in salvation.
   2. Read Ephesians 1:7.
   3. Ask: “What’s the next thing Jesus Christ did for us?” (He forgave our sins).
   4. Ask: “According to this verse, how did Jesus Christ forgive us?” (through the riches of His grace).
   5. Write the word “Forgiven” on the board.
   6. Stress the fact that since God is holy and just, we must have our sins forgiven to acceptable to Him. Unforgiven sinners cannot have fellowship with Holy God.
   7. Say: “IF YOU ARE SAVED, God the Son has forgiven you through His grace.”
   8. Ask the students for responses to this wonderful truth.
5. Enlightened through Christ’s Wisdom.
   9. Ask a volunteer to read Ephesians 1:8-9.
   10. Explain that the word abounded means to have more than enough, or to be over and above; somewhat like trying to fit a gallon of milk into an 8-ounce glass.
   11. Verse 8 says the Lord Jesus Christ gave us far more grace than was needed to redeem and forgive us. He also showed us His wisdom.
   12. Explain that in the Bible the word mystery refers to a spiritual truth that was once hidden, but has now been revealed to those who know Jesus.
   13. The mystery named in verse 9 is God’s wonderful and mind-boggling plan for redeeming humans from their sin and from eternal torment in hell.
   14. Tell the class these verses reveal that Jesus Christ enlightened us through His great wisdom.
   15. Write the word “Enlightened” on the board.
   16. Ask: “According to the last half of verse 9, why did the Lord reveal the mystery of His will to us?” (because it pleased Him, it was according to His purpose, and He didn’t have to ask anybody’s permission to do so).
   17. Tell the class the Lord would have been completely justified to let us live our entire life on this earth with no knowledge of Him or His will and then die and spend eternity in hell; but instead, Jesus Christ chose to reveal Himself to us and to pay the price to save us! Praise the Lord for His grace!
   18. Say: “IF YOU ARE SAVED, God the Son has enlightened you through His wisdom.”
   19. Ask the students for responses to this wonderful truth.
6. Gathered to Christ’s Home.
   10. Read Ephesians 1:10.
   11. Ask: “Who will the Lord Jesus one day gather together?” (“all things in Christ,” which literally means all believers from all time).
   12. Explain that this promise refers to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom, when the He will gather all believers – living and dead – to Himself (see also Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27).
   13. Ask the previously enlisted volunteer to read Revelation 20:1-6.
   14. Write the word “Gathered” on the board.
   15. Tell the class it is wonderful to know that the Lord’s plans for His children began in eternity past (Eph. 1:4) and reach into eternity future!
   16. Say: “IF YOU ARE SAVED, God the Son will one day gather you to His eternal home.”
   17. Ask the students for responses to this wonderful truth.

PERSONAL APPLICATION: Direct the class’ attention to the words you have written on the board. Point to the word “Slavery,” which you crossed out earlier. Explain that before we were saved, we were all slaves to sin and to our sinful flesh. Today’s lesson is about the role of God the Son (Jesus Christ) in our salvation. In other words, what did Jesus Christ do for us when He saved us? Ask the class use the words written on the board to describe the work of God the Son in saving us (He made us accepted, He redeemed us through His blood, He forgave us through His grace, He enlightened us through His wisdom, and one day He will gather us to Himself).

Tell the class in speaking of redemption, Charles Haddon Spurgeon said we should never forget the three whats: “What from? Believers are redeemed from hell and destruction. What by? By the precious blood of Christ. What to? To an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that will not fade away.”[1]

Ask: “How should we respond to the things the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in salvation?” Three responses seem appropriate:

1. For those who have experienced redemption – thankfulness.
2. For those who need redemption – repentance and faith.
3. For all who are redeemed – spreading the Good News.

Remind the class about the description of slavery used in the introductory step. Say: “Imagine for a moment that you were born into slavery. One day you were taken to the slave market and placed on the auction block. Many people bid on you, but one man seemed insistent and determined to exceed all other bids. After purchasing you, the man took off your chains and gave you freedom. You would never again be a slave! The man told you that his resources were limitless and he would gladly buy and set free any slave who would come to him. Do you think you would take that message to other slaves so they, too, could be set free?”

Invite people to be saved. Tell the students those who have experienced redemption should tell others about its availability. Lead a closing prayer.

CONCLUSION: Encourage everyone to memorize Ephesians 1:7. Urge them to thank the Lord daily for choosing and redeeming them. Invite them to participate in outreach visitation with the goal of telling someone about the redemption that is available through Jesus Christ. In next week’s lesson we will learn about the work of God the Holy Spirit in salvation.

[1] Biblical Illustrator for Windows, Version 3.0f, Copyright 1990-1998, by Parsons Technology, Inc.