Ephesians 1:9
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having made known unto us the mystery - That the Gentiles should ever be received into the Church of God, and have all the privileges of the Jews, without being obliged to submit to circumcision, and perform the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law was a mystery - a hidden thing which had never been published before; and now revealed only to the apostles. It was God's will that it should be so, but that will he kept hidden to the present time. A mystery signifies something hidden, but it ceases to be a mystery as soon as it is revealed. See the note on Mat 13:11; and particularly that on Rom 11:25 (note). Good pleasure - Την ευδοκιαν· That benevolent design which he had purposed in himself, not being induced by any consideration from without.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"He hath abounded," or "made (grace) to abound toward us" (Eph 1:8), in that He made known to us, namely, experimentally, in our hearts. the mystery--God's purpose of redemption hidden heretofore in His counsels, but now revealed (Eph 6:19; Rom 16:25; Col 1:26-27). This "mystery" is not like the heathen mysteries, which were imparted only to the initiated few. All Christians are the initiated. Only unbelievers are the uninitiated. according to his good pleasure--showing the cause why "He hath made known to us the mystery," namely, His own loving "good pleasure" toward us; also the time and manner of His doing so, are according to His good pleasure. purposed-- (Eph 1:11). in himself--God the Father. BENGEL takes it, "in Him," that is, Christ, as in Eph 1:3-4. But the proper name, "in Christ," Eph 1:10, immediately after, is inconsistent with His being here meant by the pronoun.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,.... The Gospel, which is a mystery, a hidden mystery, the mystery of God and of Christ, and the mystery of the Gospel; the several doctrines of it are called the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; such as are concerning the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the union of the two natures in Christ, his sonship and incarnation, the saints' union and communion with him, the work of the Spirit of God upon the soul, the calling of the Gentiles, and the conversion of the Jews, the resurrection of the dead, and the change of living saints: and the Gospel is the mystery of the will of God; of his will in saving sinners by Christ; and it declares that he does all things in salvation, according to his sovereign will and pleasure; chooses, redeems, justifies, pardons, and calls whom he pleases; and this is made known by the ministry of the word, and by the Spirit, as a spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of Christ and his Gospel: the discovery of which is, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself; both with respect to the persons to whom it is made known, and with respect to the time when he makes it known; both these are as he pleases, and as he has purposed in his own breast; the Gospel is sent when and where he has determined within himself it shall go; and persons are called by it according to his purpose and grace.
Ephesians 1:9
Spiritual Blessings
8that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.9And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ10as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Presenting Christ #1) the Need for Fullness
By Dana Congdon2.6K1:06:31Fulness Of ChristEPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being gathered by God and understanding His purpose. They express a desire for the church to be recovered and actively involved in gathering others. The speaker shares their experience of preaching the gospel in Russia and witnessing the work of God there. They also mention the significance of technology, such as the internet and the Jesus movie, in spreading the message of Christ. The speaker encourages believers to recognize the responsibility they have been given and to see Christ in His fullness and the work of the cross.
From Captive to Captain
By Carter Conlon2.2K41:58BondageEPH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the anointing of the Holy Spirit and asks God to speak deeply into the hearts of the listeners. He emphasizes that our faith should not rely on human wisdom but on the power of God. The speaker then turns to the book of Ephesians and reads from chapter one, highlighting the apostle Paul's passion for the souls of men. Paul's proper embracing of Christ led to a revelation that few others had, and the speaker encourages the audience to seek a deeper understanding of their purpose in their Christian journey.
Ger-11 the Eternal Purpose of the Church
By Art Katz2.1K1:13:32Eternal PurposeEPH 1:9In this sermon, Arthur Katz speaks about the importance of seeing the invisible and embracing a different perspective. He emphasizes that as apostles and prophets, they are a spectacle to the world and the powers that prevail over it. Katz highlights the eternal purpose of God in Christ Jesus, which is to demonstrate His glory through the church to the principalities and powers of the earth. He challenges the listeners to align themselves with the word of God and to value the church as the masterpiece of God, even though it may seem fragile and ordinary compared to the grandeur of the world.
Criteria for a Christian Minister
By Chuck Smith2.0K1:05:26MinistersEPH 1:4EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of willingly and cheerfully giving to God. He highlights the greatness of God's love and what He has done for us as the motivation for our giving. The preacher criticizes the tendency in some ministries to focus more on what people can do for God rather than emphasizing what God has done for them. He explains that this approach can lead to guilt and frustration among believers. The sermon also discusses the concept of salvation as God's work and the corresponding response of believers in serving God.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 3
By Stephen Kaung1.7K09:08EPH 1:9This sermon emphasizes the shift from being need-oriented to purpose-oriented in our Christian walk. It highlights the importance of understanding God's eternal purpose to move beyond self-centeredness and align with His will, ways, and work. By knowing and aligning with God's eternal purpose, we can overcome undiscipline, opposition to God, and experience a deeper, more fulfilling Christian life.
Plan of Salvation - Election and Predestination (Eph. 1:3-14)
By John Murray1.7K51:27SalvationPSA 119:89EPH 1:4EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of God's will and purpose in the lives of believers. He emphasizes how God combines terms to emphasize His will, using the example of being chosen in Christ and predestined. The preacher also discusses the idea of being conformed to the image of God's Son and the different interpretations of this passage. He concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding the logical relationship between election and predestination in God's saving plan.
This Ministry - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K57:42MinistryROM 8:28EPH 1:9EPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the disintegration and disruption that exists in the world, including within the church. However, the purpose of God remains unchanged, and His ultimate plan is to sum up all things in Christ. The speaker highlights the counter movement of the enemy to divide and disrupt anything related to Christ, particularly in the church. The ministry of the church is seen as crucial in fulfilling God's purpose, and the speaker encourages the church to understand and embrace this ministry.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 4
By Stephen Kaung1.6K09:08GEN 16:13ROM 12:2GAL 1:15EPH 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning with the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God, highlighting how our perception of God's will can be distorted due to our unrenewed minds. It explores the concept of God's purpose, which was established even before the creation of the world as a mystery waiting to be revealed at the appointed time. The sermon underscores the idea that God, who is beyond human comprehension, desires to be known and reveals Himself and His will to those who seek Him with a spirit of wisdom and revelation.
(Ephesians) Sealed by the Spirit
By Brian Brodersen1.6K45:05EPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that everything that happens in our lives is under the control of God's loving hands. The speaker highlights various verses from the Bible to explain why God does what He does. Jesus, in his ministry, assures his disciples that although he will be leaving them, he will send the Holy Spirit to help them. The speaker also emphasizes the incredible promises that God has made to believers and encourages gratitude and praise for what God has done, is doing, and will do in the future.
Return to Christ - the Need to Return
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:03:28RepentanceEPH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of "summing up in Christ Jesus." He explains that this phrase means gathering together or head up, and it is God's eternal will that all things should be summed up in Christ. The speaker draws a parallel between the commandments of God, which are all summed up in the word love, and the summing up of all things in Christ. He highlights that God created all things in Christ, by Christ, and for Christ. The sermon also touches on the history of the children of Israel and their tendency to rebel against God despite His love and care for them.
The Law Leads Us to Christ
By Zac Poonen1.2K51:48ChristEXO 20:2EXO 20:7MAT 20:2MAT 20:9EPH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses two parables from the book of Matthew. The first parable is about a king who invites people to his son's wedding feast, but they refuse to come. So the king invites beggars and people from the streets instead. At the gate of the king's palace, each person is given a wedding garment as a free gift. The speaker emphasizes that this parable teaches us that in terms of acceptance before Christ, there is no difference between believers. The second parable is about laborers who are hired at different times of the day. The speaker points out that the fundamental difference between the first four groups of laborers and the last group is that the first four groups made a contract with the employer, while the last group did not. The speaker relates this to the commandments given by God, highlighting that the first four commandments relate to our relationship with God, while the remaining six relate to our relationship with others. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Npg Radio 1980 #5 - Radio Interview
By Norman Grubb9651:06:43Radio InterviewROM 8:1GAL 2:20EPH 1:9In this video, Norman Grubb shares his experience as a missionary and how he discovered the abundant life of the New Covenant. He emphasizes that Christ is the one who expresses his life through us, enabling us to overcome failure, discouragement, and condemnation. Grubb highlights the mystery of the Gospel, which is Christ in us, and encourages viewers to study the Scriptures to understand this concept. He also addresses the ongoing presence of temptation in our lives and provides guidance on how to handle it. Overall, the video offers a liberating message on living a full life with Christ as our source of strength and guidance.
The Mystery of God
By Stephen Kaung71547:40EPH 1:9This sermon focuses on the mystery of God and the church, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the imminent return of the Lord. It delves into the revelation of God's will and the purpose of bringing all things under the authority of Christ. The speaker highlights the significance of understanding God's plan for humanity and the role each individual plays in fulfilling the great mystery of God.
Grace Will Triumph
By Basilea Schlink64604:35Radio ShowROM 8:28ROM 11:33EPH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the idea that there is a purpose behind every difficulty and that understanding this can help alleviate the pain. The apostle Paul's praise for God's wonderful thoughts and counsels is highlighted, emphasizing that God has planned the events of our lives to lead to a marvelous goal. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's plan, even in times of trial or mistreatment, as His grace will ultimately triumph. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God's heart is a well of grace, and by focusing on Him and His will, we can experience and drink from this fountain of grace.
The Corridor of Glory: Cloud, Smoke, and Fire (Whirlwind)
By Mike Bickle221:07:37The Kingdom of GodThe Glory of GodEPH 1:9Mike Bickle explores the concept of the 'Corridor of Glory,' emphasizing the divine connection between heaven and earth through the imagery of cloud, smoke, and fire. He explains that God's eternal purpose is to establish His kingdom on earth, where the heavenly and earthly realms converge, particularly through the New Jerusalem. Bickle highlights the significance of the glory cloud as a representation of God's presence and the transformative power of His glory in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to understand their future roles in this divine plan, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the biblical teachings regarding the end times and the kingdom of God. The sermon concludes with a call to engage deeply with Scripture to grasp the fullness of God's glory and purpose.
Fullness of God: Heaven and Earth Brought Together
By Mike Bickle221:11:09End Times RevelationUnity of Heaven and EarthEPH 1:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the divine purpose of God to unite heaven and earth, illustrating that the fullness of God is expressed through the merging of the spiritual and material realms. He calls for a deeper understanding of the end times, urging young adults to seek clarity and revelation from the Holy Spirit about their role in this divine plan. Bickle highlights that the earthly realm is essential for the full expression of God's personality, and that believers are called to be active participants in this restoration process. He encourages the audience to embrace their earthly responsibilities as part of their eternal destiny, reminding them that their actions now have significant implications for the future. Ultimately, the sermon inspires a vision of a glorious future where God's kingdom is fully realized on earth.
Enduring Tests That Lead to Receiving Crowns
By Mike Bickle1851:14EnduranceEternal RewardsEPH 1:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of enduring tests and trials as a pathway to receiving eternal rewards, specifically the crowns that God promises to those who remain faithful. He explains that God's ultimate purpose is to unite heaven and earth, and our actions in this life will determine our assignments in the age to come. Bickle encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for growth and endurance, which are essential for qualifying for these crowns. He highlights that every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where their faithfulness will be rewarded, and urges the congregation to have a clear vision for their eternal calling. Ultimately, he calls for a diligent and disciplined life in pursuit of God's glory and the eternal prize.
The Person of Christ the Foundation of All the Counsels of God
By John Owen0God's Eternal CounselThe Person of ChristEPH 1:9John Owen emphasizes that the person of Christ is the foundation of all God's counsels, particularly concerning the church's vocation, sanctification, and salvation. He explains that God's eternal glory is intricately tied to Christ, who was set up from everlasting to execute these divine plans. Owen highlights the delight of God in these eternal counsels, which were established in Christ, showcasing His wisdom, goodness, and love. The sermon underscores that all things were created and renewed through Christ, making Him central to God's redemptive work. Ultimately, Owen asserts that understanding Christ's role is essential for grasping the fullness of God's purpose for humanity.
Of the Will of God, and the Sovereignty of It.
By John Gill0Sovereignty Of GodThe Will of GodISA 14:24DAN 4:35MAT 20:15JHN 6:39ACT 21:14ROM 2:18ROM 9:19EPH 1:9EPH 1:111TH 4:3John Gill expounds on the will of God and its sovereignty, emphasizing that God's will is essential to His nature and is the guiding force behind all His actions. He distinguishes between God's secret and revealed will, explaining how the former encompasses His unmanifested plans while the latter is made known through scripture and providence. Gill asserts that God's will is immutable, efficacious, and sovereign, governing all aspects of creation, including the good and the evil that occur in the world. He highlights that God's will is not contingent upon human actions but is a reflection of His divine purpose and glory. Ultimately, Gill encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign will, acknowledging that all things work together for His glory and the good of those who love Him.
Horizoned by Purpose
By T. Austin-Sparks0Distinctiveness of FaithPurpose in ChristEZK 1:26EZK 48:35EPH 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that purpose is intrinsically linked to Christ, presenting them as complementary rather than separate entities. He illustrates this connection through the Scriptures of Ezekiel and Ephesians, highlighting how both begin with a divine throne and culminate in a corporate expression of God's glory. Sparks warns against the loss of distinctiveness in both Israel and the Church, noting that unfaithfulness to God's revealed purpose leads to confusion and weakness. He stresses the importance of the Holy Spirit's energy in fulfilling God's purpose, urging believers to remain committed and surrendered to the Spirit's leading. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to a purpose-conscious faith, contrasting it with the perplexity that often characterizes modern Christianity.
"A Sign"
By T. Austin-Sparks0Divine PurposeThe Role of the Holy SpiritEZK 1:26EPH 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit in revealing God's purpose through the Church and individual believers, drawing parallels from Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. He highlights the dynamic incentive of purpose that drives men of the Spirit, the impact of that purpose on the world, and the necessity of spiritual authority in the Church. Sparks warns against the disintegration of purpose within the Church, urging believers to recognize their role as vessels of God's message, much like Ezekiel, who was a sign to Israel. He concludes that true authority and impact come from a clear understanding of God's purpose, which is essential for the Church's effectiveness in the world.
Heart-Revelation of "The Mystery"
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Mystery of ChristSpiritual GrowthEPH 1:9EPH 3:3T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound concept of 'mystery' as presented in Ephesians, emphasizing that while God has revealed His will and the mystery of Christ, true understanding requires divine illumination. He distinguishes between the mystery of Christ and the mystery of iniquity, highlighting that both involve a supernatural presence in human form. Sparks asserts that spiritual growth comes from recognizing the corporate nature of the Church as the Body of Christ, which is essential for believers to experience fullness in their faith. He encourages the congregation to seek revelation from God to truly grasp their identity and purpose within the Church. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the Church's heavenly calling and the necessity of unity among believers for spiritual enlargement.
God's End and God's Way
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church as the Body of ChristGod's PurposeEPH 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's eternal will and purpose, which centers on Christ as the head of the Church, His body, through which God's fullness is expressed. He explains that spiritual fullness is achieved by recognizing God's singular purpose and the necessity of the Church in fulfilling that purpose. Sparks highlights that the Church is not merely a collection of individuals but a living organism that must function in unity to realize God's intentions. He warns against the dangers of individualism and stresses the importance of mutual interdependence within the Body of Christ for spiritual growth. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Cross and its role in achieving spiritual fullness and overcoming the limitations of the natural life.
Times and Seasons
By William Edwin Boardman0ECC 3:1MRK 4:30ACT 3:19EPH 1:91PE 1:7William Edwin Boardman preaches about the timeliness of God's works and truths, emphasizing how the kingdom of God unfolds in seasons and periods, likening it to the growth of a mustard seed into a great plant. He discusses how revivals and great truths have been revealed and developed over time, each with its own battle and victory. Boardman highlights the importance of understanding the stages of revelation and the application of truths in their appointed times, leading up to the present moment where the church is called to embrace full salvation through complete trust in Jesus Christ.
Day 161, Ephesians 1
By David Servant0EPH 1:4EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:14EPH 1:17EPH 1:21David Servant preaches on Paul's letter to the Ephesian believers, emphasizing the spiritual blessings we have through Jesus and the importance of living a holy and blameless life. Paul highlights that God chose us based on our faith in Christ before the foundation of the world, with the intention that we would be holy. Through Jesus, we are predestined to be adopted as God's children, redeemed, and forgiven of our sins. Jesus is the center of God's future plans, and believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our future inheritance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having made known unto us the mystery - That the Gentiles should ever be received into the Church of God, and have all the privileges of the Jews, without being obliged to submit to circumcision, and perform the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law was a mystery - a hidden thing which had never been published before; and now revealed only to the apostles. It was God's will that it should be so, but that will he kept hidden to the present time. A mystery signifies something hidden, but it ceases to be a mystery as soon as it is revealed. See the note on Mat 13:11; and particularly that on Rom 11:25 (note). Good pleasure - Την ευδοκιαν· That benevolent design which he had purposed in himself, not being induced by any consideration from without.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"He hath abounded," or "made (grace) to abound toward us" (Eph 1:8), in that He made known to us, namely, experimentally, in our hearts. the mystery--God's purpose of redemption hidden heretofore in His counsels, but now revealed (Eph 6:19; Rom 16:25; Col 1:26-27). This "mystery" is not like the heathen mysteries, which were imparted only to the initiated few. All Christians are the initiated. Only unbelievers are the uninitiated. according to his good pleasure--showing the cause why "He hath made known to us the mystery," namely, His own loving "good pleasure" toward us; also the time and manner of His doing so, are according to His good pleasure. purposed-- (Eph 1:11). in himself--God the Father. BENGEL takes it, "in Him," that is, Christ, as in Eph 1:3-4. But the proper name, "in Christ," Eph 1:10, immediately after, is inconsistent with His being here meant by the pronoun.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,.... The Gospel, which is a mystery, a hidden mystery, the mystery of God and of Christ, and the mystery of the Gospel; the several doctrines of it are called the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; such as are concerning the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the union of the two natures in Christ, his sonship and incarnation, the saints' union and communion with him, the work of the Spirit of God upon the soul, the calling of the Gentiles, and the conversion of the Jews, the resurrection of the dead, and the change of living saints: and the Gospel is the mystery of the will of God; of his will in saving sinners by Christ; and it declares that he does all things in salvation, according to his sovereign will and pleasure; chooses, redeems, justifies, pardons, and calls whom he pleases; and this is made known by the ministry of the word, and by the Spirit, as a spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of Christ and his Gospel: the discovery of which is, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself; both with respect to the persons to whom it is made known, and with respect to the time when he makes it known; both these are as he pleases, and as he has purposed in his own breast; the Gospel is sent when and where he has determined within himself it shall go; and persons are called by it according to his purpose and grace.