Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
5  Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to
Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,  6  to the praise of the glory of
His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:5-6

 

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. The doctrine of Predestination

a) It is often misunderstood
b) It is sadly pitted against man’s so-called “free will”

2. Understanding this doctrine of Predestination

a) How wonderful to be predestined to be adopted as children of God

i) Man’s free will can never achieve this
ii) Man’s free will is so badly tainted by sin

b) According to His good pleasure

i) Not by works of righteousness which we have done Titus 3:4-7
ii) God’s good pleasure includes mercy, kindness, love and grace

3. The role of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) Only by the Lord Jesus would salvation be possible
b) May we ever seek to praise our Saviour!

 

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Let us remember God’s own goals

a) That the glory of His grace might be praised

b) By His grace we are made accepted in the Beloved Son of God

2. Let us seek to do our part

a) In praising God
b) In living for the Lord as His children

 

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. Teaching the doctrine of predestination

a) Because it is taught in the Scriptures
b) Because it is true
c) Because it is a wonderful doctrine

2. Appreciating afresh our Salvation

a) Let us be grateful for the Lord’s grace given to us
b) Let us seek to live as God’s children even more consciously

i) With gratitude
ii) With joy
iii) With praise

3. The Person of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) Let us treasure Him as a living Saviour
b) Let us never take for granted what He has done for us

4. Our role as pastors

a) Let us set a good example for our congregations
b) Let us live joyfully for the Lord

Let doctrine come alive in our ministry!

 

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan