#1375. Chosen and predestined (29/10/25)

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 reflection, we saw how God revealed His great plan to bring restoration and peace to all things through Jesus. Today, continues in Ephesians 1:7-14, we marvel that:

God has chosen and predestined us to share in His eternal inheritance of peace and glory.

You can listen to this devotional below

1. Chosen in Him

Paul reminds us that every believer has been ‘chosen in Christ’ - our salvation is God’s gift and the work of His Spirit, not our own doing ;additionally, all Christians have been ‘chosen’ for something - that is to be in glory and praise His glory forever (as we will see in the next verse.) It’s wonderful to know that God, by His grace, chose us to know Jesus and to share eternal glory! We read something very similar earlier in the chapter:

2. Predestined according to God’s plan

Paul strengthens this truth by adding that we are ‘predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.’ Our salvation rests entirely in God’s eternal plan.

Paul likely reflected on his own dramatic conversion, recorded in Acts 9. While Paul was actively persecuting the church, Christ intervened and revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus. Paul’s salvation, like ours, was not a result of his seeking God, but of God’s sovereign initiative.

When we choose something, our choices are often uncertain - we can be overruled by circumstances, events, or the decisions of others. But God’s choices are never uncertain or subject to failure. He ‘works out everything’ according to His will. Even human disobedience and opposition cannot thwart God’s purposes; He is sovereign over all things.

This truth should bring immense comfort. If you are a believer, it is because God predestined you to be His own. And if He has chosen you, He will sustain you to the end and bring you into His eternal glory. Your salvation is secure—not because of your strength, but because of His unstoppable purpose.

Response

• How does knowing that you were chosen by God before the creation of the world affect your view of yourself and your relationship with Him?

• How does God’s sovereign choice and power strengthen your hope for this life and the life to come?

• How might this truth fuel your worship and give you confidence in sharing your faith?

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.