How does Paul understand and define blessing from God in this text? Why is this significant?

 

What does it mean for God to have chosen us before the foundation of the world? And to have predestined us for adoption through Jesus? How are we to understand and interpret these concepts?

 

How does the doctrine of God’s sovereignty over all things (including our salvation) affect our lives today? How does it affect how we think about:

  • Ourselves?
  • Other people?
  • Our circumstances?
  • The future?

 

How does Paul describe the role of God the Son (Jesus) in our salvation?

 

Why is the Jesus’s death on the cross (and the redemption and forgiveness of sin that it secures for us) such good news for Christians?

 

How does Paul describe the role of God the Holy Spirit in our salvation?

 

What is the significance of the reality that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the hearts of His people? Why does it matter?

 

Why does Paul use the phrase “to the praise of His glory” so many times in this text? What does it mean?

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Reflection Questions