#1374. The mystery of God’s will revealed (28/10/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we Continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

In our last study, we reflected on the lavish - superabundant - nature of God’s grace - His redemption and forgiveness in Christ; we also saw that God also lavishes - imparts to us - His wisdom and understanding so that we see things and live in a new way. Today, building on this, we see how:

The wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives leads us into an understanding of the mystery of God’s will. 

You can listen to this devotional below

1. God’s wisdom and understanding

Paul’s words flow from the previous verses:

God’s grace doesn’t just forgive; it transforms our thinking. By the Spirit, Christians gain new wisdom and understanding, enabling us to see history through God’s lens. And what is His plan? That when the right time comes, all things in heaven and on earth will be united under Christ. This vision of God’s ultimate purpose gives us confidence and hope as we live in a broken world.

2. When the times reach their fulfilment 

Paul reminds us that the unfolding of God’s plan is perfectly timed:

Just as Jesus came at the right time (Galatians 4:4), so too His return and the restoration of all things will come at God’s appointed moment. History is not random; it is in God’s hands. This truth gives us patience and trust, knowing that His timing is always perfect.

3. All things under Christ 

The Spirit reveals the mystery of God’s will: one day, everything will be brought under the Lordship of Jesus. Today we see division, rebellion, and decay in creation. Satan and his hosts oppose God’s kingdom. But when Christ returns, He will reconcile all things — spiritual and physical — bringing perfect peace and unity. God’s plan is certain, and His glory will fill all things.

Response

• Do we trust that both our lives and all of history are in God’s loving and capable hands?

• Do we see that the eternal peace we long for has already begun? In Christ, we have peace with God, peace with one another, and the privilege of sharing the gospel of peace with the world.

• Let’s live with eternity in view, resisting the pull to live for fleeting pleasures, and instead devote our lives to the One who will unite all things under His rule.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Please ensure that your group know about, and are praying for, the second of our gift days this coming Sunday. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 1:7-14, was:  Redeemed and Sealed in Christ. 

Please read Ephesians 1:7-14 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• What does it mean to have ‘redemption’? 

• What is ‘forgiveness’ and how is this linked with ‘redemption through His blood’? 

• What is the ‘mystery of God’s will’ now made known?

• What is the ‘Seal’ and ‘deposit’ of the Spirit? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From Ephesians 1:7-14, what, particularly from v.13, is our role in God’s work of redemption?  

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’  in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.