Go! And Live In God’s Eternal Plan - Ephesians 1:11 Series

Go! And Live in God’s Eternal Plan - Ephesians 1:11

Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) – “It is in Christ that we have been chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

Introduction: The God Who Has a Plan

Good morning, church! Today, we are diving into a truth so powerful, it can transform the way you live every day: God has a plan. But not just any plan—an eternal, personal, redemptive plan that unfolds through Jesus Christ.

Imagine standing in an art gallery, facing a massive, intricate painting. From the front, it may look chaotic—colors overlapping, brush strokes messy—but as you step back, the whole picture emerges: precise, beautiful, and full of meaning. That’s what Ephesians 1:11 is showing us today: God’s plan is never random, never accidental. Everything works together according to His will—and the centre of that plan is Christ.

Let’s read the verse again: “It is in Christ that we have been chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

1. “It is in Christ”

The Greek phrase “?? t? ???st?” (en to Christo) literally means “in union with Christ.” Paul is saying our identity, our destiny, and our eternal security are found only in Jesus. This is not about our effort or our morality—it’s about being united to Christ.

In a world obsessed with self-help and self-actualisation, this verse reminds us that our life’s direction is not found in personal ambition alone, but in Christ. You can chase goals and achievements, but only Jesus aligns you with God’s eternal purpose.

Consider a GPS system. If your GPS isn’t connected to the satellite, it’s useless. Likewise, apart from Christ, our life is disconnected from the true guidance of God.

2. “Chosen” and “Predestined”

The words “chosen” (???e?t??, eklektos) and “predestined” (p???????, proorizo) are heavy with meaning. Eklektos implies selection for blessing, purpose, and inheritance. Proorizo refers to God setting a destiny in advance.

Historically, the Ephesians knew God’s electing grace in contrast to the common belief in human merit. Paul emphasizes that God chooses according to His purpose, not our performance.

Romans 8:28–30 (NLT): "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son..."

Here, we see God’s plan is redemptive, working everything—including our failures—for our spiritual transformation.

John Piper wrote: "God’s choice of his people is a display of his grace, not a denial of our responsibility. It is God’s sovereignty, not human effort, that secures our salvation."

This should humbly and joyfully free us from self-reliance, and stir us to praise.

3. “According to the Plan of Him Who Works Everything in Conformity with the Purpose of His Will”

The Greek word ß????s?? (boulesis) means “will” or “deliberate purpose.” Paul emphasizes God’s sovereignty—nothing in our lives is random. Every twist, every triumph, every trial is under God’s wise orchestration.

In the first century, believers in Ephesus faced uncertainty, cultural pressures, and spiritual opposition. This verse reassured them that God’s plan was immutable, secure, and purposeful.

Today, whether it’s career uncertainty, family struggles, or world events, believers can live confidently knowing God works everything for His glory and our ultimate good.

Think of a skilled composer writing a symphony. Each note, each pause, seems inconsequential on its own—but the full composition, when played together, produces breathtaking harmony. God is the divine Composer of your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

God’s plans are intentional and hopeful, anchored in His love.

Romans 8:32 (NLT): "He who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also give us everything else?"

The plan of God culminates in the Gospel: Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:2 (NLT): "God chose you in advance, and he called you to be holy."

God’s election is not abstract; it is practical, calling us to a holy life.

Several years ago, I met a man who had lost everything in his life—his job, his home, even his family had turned away. He told me he felt abandoned by God. But over time, through his surrender to Christ, he started a ministry that now reaches hundreds of broken families. That man’s story reminds us: what seems like chaos is often the preparation of God’s plan.

The Gospel at the Heart of God’s Plan

Notice carefully: Ephesians 1:11 says “It is in Christ that we have been chosen.” Every aspect of God’s plan is fulfilled in Jesus.