6/14/2026 HILL CITY CHURCH
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAN AND SALVATION: Ephesians 1:10–14
Pastor David Proffitt
Opening Scripture
"In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)
CENTRAL QUESTION: Are we predestined for salvation or predestined for God's purpose? Throughout Ephesians 1, Paul repeatedly emphasizes: God's will, God's purpose, God's plan, God's timing, Man's response of faith
I. REVIEW: GOD'S ETERNAL PLAN – in Eph. 1:9, Paul introduces several key concepts concerning God's salvation plan. First, consider the mystery: "Making known to us the mystery(Musterion) of His will." - God's plan was once hidden. But It has now been revealed through Christ. Christianity is not a secret religion. Every believer is invited to understand God's purposes. A. Will - Salvation originates in the will of God. Redemption is not accidental. God is carrying out His divine purpose. B. Purpose - One of the major themes of Ephesians 1. God's plan always has a purpose. Believers are part of that purpose. C. Set Forth in Christ - Jesus Christ is the center of God's plan. Everything God is doing ultimately points to Christ. D. Plan - Greek: Oikonomia - Meaning: Administration, Stewardship, Management. God is carrying out a perfectly organized plan.
II. THE FULLNESS OF TIME - Gal 4:4 "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son." What does "fullness of time" mean? God sent Christ at exactly the right moment in history. Why was it the right time? 1. One Common Language, 2. One Dominant Government, 3. One Scattered Nation. Application: God's timing is always perfect.
III. GOD'S ULTIMATE GOAL - Eph 1:10 "To unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth." God's Final Objective: All creation will be united under Christ. History is moving toward God's appointed conclusion. Christ will reign over all things. Related Passages: 1 Thess 1:10, 1 Thess 5:9, Rev 3:10. Key Truth: So history is not moving toward chaos. History is not moving toward chaos. History is moving toward Christ.
IV. PREDESTINATION AND PURPOSE - Eph 1:11: "Having been predestined according to the purpose of Him..." Repeated Emphasis in Ephesians - Notice how often Paul uses the word: PURPOSE - Eph 1:5, Eph 1:9, Eph 1:11 Observation - Paul repeatedly connects predestination with: Purpose, Adoption, Inheritance, God's Will
V. THE FIRST TO HOPE IN CHRIST - Ephesians 1:12 "So that we who were the first to hope in Christ..." Biblical Hope - Hope is not wishful thinking. Biblical hope means: Expectation, Trust, Confidence, Faith. Application - God honors those who: Trust Christ, Step out in faith, Follow Christ, Live for His glory
VI. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAN - Ephesians 1:13 Paul presents a clear pattern. Step 1 — HEAR - "When you heard the word of truth." - Salvation begins with hearing. The Gospel must be proclaimed. Romans 10:17 "Faith comes by hearing." Step 2 — BELIEVE - "And believed in Him. "Hearing alone is not enough. There must be a response of faith. Where Faith Means: Trusting Christ, Depending on Christ, Receiving Christ. Then Step 3 — SEALED - "Were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." After hearing and believing: God seals the believer. So THE PATTERN OF SALVATION: 1 HEAR --> 2 BELIEVE --> 3 SEALED --> 4 INHERITANCE
VII. THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - Related Passages: John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:13, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4 What Does the Seal Mean? This seal means: Security - God protects His people. Preservation - God keeps His people. Permanency - God's salvation endures. The Seal Indicates: Ownership, Authenticity, Protection, Assurance
VIII. THE GUARANTEE OF OUR INHERITANCE - Eph 1:14 "Who is the guarantee of our inheritance?" Hebrew Word – Aravon – Pledge, Security, Down Payment. Greek Word – Arrabōn – Deposit, Earnest Money, Engagement Pledge. Key Truth: The Holy Spirit is God's guarantee that every promise in Christ will be fulfilled.
SUMMARY: God's Part - Planned salvation, Sent Christ, Revealed His mystery, Carries out His purpose, Gives the Holy Spirit, Guarantees our inheritance. Man's Responsibility - Hear the Gospel, Believe in Christ, Place hope in Him, Follow Him faithfully
KEY TAKEAWAY: God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility Work Together
God has an eternal plan centered in Christ.
- God reveals that plan through the Gospel.
- People must hear the Gospel and respond in faith.
- Those who believe are sealed by the Holy Spirit and receive the guarantee of their future inheritance.
Memory Verse: "In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)