LOOK WHAT GOD HAS DONE!

There are so many ways of approaching a study of Ephesians chapter one that it would be impossible for one man to exhaust them all. One graphic illustration of the message of verses three through ten is the chart which follows. This chart may be copied on the blackboard as the sermon proceeds (which is perhaps most effective), or it may be drawn in advance on suitable material and presented complete at the first. Modern techniques of projection multiply the possibilities.

The particular form of this chart was "borrowed" from Brother Franklin T. Puckett. He is due that credit, though he is not to be held responsible for any more than the essential idea. The rest is mine.

Body

As each Roman numeral is taken up, the text (Eph. 1:3-10) should be read in entirety, emphasizing the particular point involved at the time. That means that the passage will be read four times (or five if it is read in the beginning of the lesson). This is not at all too much reading; the people can stand more of the Word of God and less of the words of preachers. This repetition will enhance the sense of the passage and will leave the impressions of the lesson firmly planted in the minds of the audience.

Conclusion

It is good to review what has been covered in the lesson, reviewing and reciting what is on the chart. One might prefer to go through part I (A-G) before going to II, and then reviewing Part II (A-G) before going to III, and so forth. Or he might prefer taking the columns across in recapitulation (A, I-IV, then B, I-IV, etc.) instead. Either way the four major points of the lesson stand out, the text is clear in the minds of the listeners, God is praised and Christ is glorified. A suitable invitation can then be extended at the close.

                   I.                                                 II.                                               III.                                         IV.
WHAT GOD HAS DONE    WHAT IT MEANS TO US    WHO GETS THE GLORY   WHERE WE ENJOY IT

            1:3                              all spiritual                                                       in Christ
    A. Blessed us                      blessings

            1:4                       we should be holy                                                 in Him
    B. Chose us                   and blameless in
                                                   love

            1:5                         adoption as children        the good pleasure         by Jesus Christ
    C. Predestinated us                                                    of His will

           1:6                                                                      His grace                in the beloved
    D. Made us accepted

           1:7                          forgiveness of sins             riches of His grace       in whom (Christ)
    E. Redemption
     through His blood

          1:8,9                            made known                 His good pleasure
    F. Abounded toward        the mystery of His          purposed in Himself
        us -- in grace                          will

          1:11f                          day of redemption                His purpose           In whom (Christ)
    G. Obtained an                                                           counsel of His
      inheritance...                                                                 own will
      sealed with Spirit
       ... earnest

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