Big Idea: “Christ’s saving grace and unifying power transforms our identity, deepens our relationships and guides our purpose.” We Can Live Out God’s Grand Design By: 1. Believing God’s Plan Was Revealed In Jesus 9 And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment–to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. Ephesians 1:9-10 (NIV) “The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV) The Lord says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (NIV) But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV) And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9 (NIV) 2. Embracing Our Eternal Hope 11 In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 (NIV) Clear Conscience – Romans 8:1 – there is no condemnation in Jesus Life & Peace – Romans 8:6 –the Holy Spirit gives life & peace Confidence – Romans 8:31 –God is for us Security – Romans 8:39 –nothing can separate us from God’s love Power & Strength – Philippians 4:13 –Contentment & strength All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT2) Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV) 3. Trusting in the Holy Spirit's Seal 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession–to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV) Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NIV) The Holy Spirit: Fills us with a sense of God’s love – Romans 5:5 Assures us that God has adopted us as his children – Romans 8:15-16 Helps us to manifest our Christlikeness – Galatians 5:22-23. Will you commit to living out God’s design for your life? My Next Right Step: Seek God’s will Live with Hope of heaven Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide me Talk It Over Family Corner: Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less. This discussion guide aims to deepen your understanding of God’s grand design, our inheritance in Christ, and the Holy Spirit’s seal, encouraging practical application of these truths in your daily life. Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to understand and apply the truths from Ephesians 1:9-10. Icebreaker: Share a time when you experienced a clear plan unfolding in your life, whether it was a trip, a project, or a significant life event. How did knowing the plan affect your experience? 1. Believe God’s Plan Was Revealed In Jesus Scripture: Read Ephesians 1:9-10, Genesis 12:1-3, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 53:5-6, 10 and Revelation 5:9 How do these scriptures help you understand God’s grand plan of salvation in Jesus? How can you see your life as part of God’s bigger picture? Since all things are to be united under Jesus; what is one practical way to promote unity in your family, church, or community? 2. Embracing Our Eternal Hope Read Ephesians 1:11-12, 1 Peter 1:3-4 and Revelation 21:1-4 What does it mean to you to have an inheritance in Christ? What are some things that you have right now in Christ? In the future? How does knowing you have an eternal, secure inheritance in Christ impacts your perspective on earthly possessions and achievements? What is one way this hope can shape your decision making? Share a specific way to live for the praise of God’s glory this week, such as an act of service, sharing your faith, or demonstrating Christ’s love. 3. Trusting in the Holy Spirit's Seal Scripture: Read Ephesians 1:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 What does it mean to you to be sealed with the Holy Spirit? How does the assurance of the Holy Spirit’s presence affect your confidence and daily living? Reflect on the down payment analogy. How does knowing the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance; provide you with assurance and confidence in your faith? Discuss The Holy Spirit’s Assurance: Fills us with a sense of God’s love – Romans 5:5 Assures us that God has adopted us as his children – Romans 8:15-16 Helps us to manifest our Christlikeness – Galatians 5:22-23. Which of the three points discussed today resonates most with you and why? How can our group support each other in understanding and applying these principles in our lives? Closing Prayer