SUBJ: The result of redemption seen
the in wisdom and prudence given that we might understand the revelation
of the mysteries of the Gospel.
AIM: That we might avail ourselves of
that which the grace of God provides.
INTR: We would
examine yet another link in this Golden Doxology (reason for praise) by
considering the things which abound from the riches of His grace. 1.
We last looked at redemption as a possession - wherein we are freed from
all bondage and our hearts experience forgiveness. 2. Consider the
"lifer" who is set free without resource, direction or guidance. Some
choose to return to prison. 3. God not only sets us free from the
bondage of sin and death, but He also provides all that is needed to be
productive citizens of the Kingdom of God.
THESIS: We will be brought to the
fulfillment of God's purpose as knowing and aware that we may give a
reason of the hope that is within us.
I. Redemption and beyond
(vv. 7-8) 1. The meaning of riches to the believer goes
far beyond material things. It begins with the price of redemption (see
our last message). 2. Consider: Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the
riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing
that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? AND Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; AND Philippians
4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in
glory by Christ Jesus. AND Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he
might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus. 3. The word abundance here means superabounding
- See Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
worketh in us . . . 1) Wisdom - Spiritual application of knowledge 2)
Prudence - intellectual and moral insight 4. Faith is followed by
practice and it is with a consciousness of having been redeemed.
II. Revelation (v. 9) 1. Consider Paul's description of his
experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above
measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me
a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should
be exalted above measure. - - - we certainly do not compare to him but
Christ is revealed in us! 2. To know the mystery of His will is
"according to His good pleasure." Remember: Psalms 115:3 But our God is
in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 1) We
certainly do not know all, but it is given unto us to know: 1 John 5:13
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son
of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God. See also, Matthew 13:11 2) We
know of the operation of His will and the expression of it pleases Him.
3. The preaching of Jesus Christ is mysterious to the world: Romans
16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my
gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began . . . AND
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I
may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel . . . AND
especially 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery
of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world,
received up into glory. 4. Beleivers are seen to be a mystery:
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the
glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the
hope of glory: 1) Consider the vain attempts of the world to imitate
what only Christ in us can produce 2) They do not understand the very
nature of regeneration and conversion.
III. Restoration (v. 10)
1. The fullness of times and compare Galatians 4:4. 1) Not merely an
appointed time, but even more 2) That all was ready in the purpose of
God for Him to come. 2. The word here for gathering together has the
thought of "again." 1) Consider Colossians 1:15-20 and note that all
things were together in Him from the beginning - including the angels
and their orders. 2) We are even here pointed to the perfect
conditions that existed in the Garden 3) And the chaos that followed
the Fall. 3. All that was fractured, separated and dispersed by the
fall and subsequent curse will be brought together in a singular
expression of the wisdom of God - New Heavens and New Earth. 1)
Consider what is already in, But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto
the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an
innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the
firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and
to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of
the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better
things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24) 2) And see also:
Revelation 5: 9-13. 4. While we may not see all 1) We know that it
will be all-encompassing - Heaven and earth. 2) It will show the will
of God "on earth as it is in Heaven." 3) It will all be in Christ - "even" in Him! 5. It is to this we look with great expectation and
joy; the kings of the world have nothing to offer.
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