Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-23
Memory Verse: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” —Titus 2:14
Introduction:
When Adam sinned, believing the lie of Satan and choosing to be independent from God, he sold out his life and that of all the generations to follow. This left mankind under Satan’s control and ownership (see Genesis 3). Adam’s act of rebellion brought man into bondage—to himself, to Satan, to sin, to law, and to nature. He became enslaved to his own desires and weaknesses, and the taskmaster of this slavery was Satan himself.
The word redeem in the New Testament literally means to purchase in the slave market with a view to setting free. Jesus Christ entered the scene of history with one great purpose in mind—to buy back mankind from Satan’s power and set him free into God’s kingdom. The price He paid for us was His own life.
Jesus was the substitute for our own death, and the rightful sentence passed upon Adam (Genesis 2:17) was assumed by Him. Our world is under Satan’s power. But, through Christ’s death we are set free from Satan’s dominion.
Queen Victoria once visited a large paper mill. In one room she was shown tons of filthy rags. The superintendent explained that he had developed a chemical process to remove all the grime from the rags and make them immaculately white. Sometime later, the Queen found, on her writing desk, some of the most beautiful writing paper she had ever seen. Accompanying the paper was a note: “Will Her Majesty be pleased to accept a specimen of my paper with the assurance that every sheet was manufactured out of the dirty rags which she saw?”
This story is a perfect illustration of redemption. We come to God as filthy rags. Through a miraculous process, He purifies us. Our souls become spotless white, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Lesson Questions:
- On the cross, what was Jesus’ important role? Mark 10:45; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
- What was the reason Jesus died? Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:8.
- What did Jesus’ death free us from? Romans 6:6-14; 3:23-24; Ephesians 1:7.
- What result does His death give those who believe? Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56; Romans 4:25.
- Why is it Satan can no longer wield sickness as a threat against believers? Galatians 3:13; Matthew 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4-5; Acts 10:38.
- What power is our world under, and how has Christ set us free from this? 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 5:4; Galatians 6:14.
- What opportunity has the death of Jesus Christ given every man and woman? Ephesians 2:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-15.
- Explain our condition in Satan’s kingdom. Romans 1:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:14-15; Colossians 1:13.
- Contrast our previous condition to what happens when we are redeemed by Christ. Romans 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:6; 2:11 maybe 22:11; Hebrews 2:14-15.
- Since we have been bought with a price, who do we now belong to? Romans 14:8; Acts 20:28.