Praise be to God (1:3-14)

Questions to Consider

After a brief introduction, Paul launches into the epistle by praising (and calling for the praise of) God (3, 6, 12, 14). The section gives some of the reasons why God is praiseworthy.

1. How does 3a relate to the Trinity?
- Certainly a surprising line coming from a staunch Jew
- Reflects the deity and humanity of Christ

2. Why does 3b emphasize ‘heavenly’ & ‘spiritual’?
- Christianity doesn’t promise earthly & material blessing

3. What does 3c mean by ‘in Christ’?
- Used by Paul hundreds of times, rarely elsewhere
- Speaks to deep presence, inclusion, part of body

4. How does a Calvinist read 4-5?
- Election of individuals specific individuals before time
- Election of individuals based on God’s will/pleasure

5. Is there a better way to read 4-5?
- Some think God looked ahead at who would believe
- I think Jesus alone is elect, ‘in him’ is the key
- We are ‘elect in the son’

6. How do we access the redemption/forgiveness of 7?
- Through the blood

7. What ‘mystery’ is 9 talking about?
- That through faith in Christ, Jews & Gentiles are saved
- See Romans 11:25-26, Ephesians 3:2-6, Col. 1:26-27

8. Who is the ‘we’ in 11-12?
- The Jews. The ‘you’ in 13 is the Gentiles (thus, mystery)

9. How does 13a say we are ‘included in Christ’?
- They heard and believed

10. What guarantee are we given in 13b-14?
- Assurance of salvation through witness of the Spirit
- This is 1 of 4 tests spoken of in 1 John 5:1-6
Moral- Obedience
Social- Love
Doctrinal- Belief in Jesus
Spiritual- Witness of Spirit