SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - SEPT 5TH

God’s Plan Is Eternal

LESSON PASSAGE OUTLINE
1. We Are in Christ (Eph. 1:1-2)
2. We Are Blessed (Eph. 1:3-6)
3. We Are Redeemed (Eph. 1:7-12)
4. We Are Sealed (Eph. 1:13-14)

BIBLICAL TRUTH - Christians have experienced four facets of God’s eternal plan to provide salvation.

Bible Commentary - by Kendell Easley, Professor of Christian Studies at the Germantown (TN) campus of Union University.

“What’s in it for me?” Everyone has expressed this attitude from time to time. For example, I was recently visiting a single young adult friend who moved to another city two years ago. We were members of the same church before his move, but now Jared claims he can’t find a church where he feels comfortable. Either the music is wrong or the preaching is too strong or people aren’t friendly. He complained, “I know that I’m a Christian and need to be in a church, but right now there’s not one that I like in this whole city.”

Not surprisingly, Jared’s attitude extends to his understanding of salvation. He thinks of it as an advantage that he receives. He hasn’t thought much about the benefit that God receives because of the unfolding of His plan of redemption toward Jared.

 How would you answer the question, “What’s in it for God?” When it comes to your salvation? What does God receive as a result of planning and carrying out your salvation?

Christians believe that God wants to save people. Yet if you asked them why God designed a plan for salvation, responses would vary. Some would say it’s because people are bad. All humans are sinners in urgent need of redemption. Others might focus on salvation as an expression of God’s love. God will not turn away from people who humbly admit their spiritual needs. These statements are true. God has always intended to save sinners through Jesus. Yet many believers fail to appreciate that God brings praise to Himself by saving people. When God saves people, He reveals His character, His love for humanity, and His grace. Christians who understand this truth recognize that part of “what’s in it for God” is the praise coming to Him from His people.

As you study, focus on what you will learn about God’s salvation plan. You might consider this lesson from the perspective of a timeline. What part of salvation belongs to eternity past (before the world was created)? What part belongs to history (for example, Christ’s death)? What part belongs to today—September 5, 2010? What part belongs to our eternal future? The Life Goal of this lesson is to help you praise God for His plan to provide salvation.