Verse 10
I) That in the dispensation of the fullness of times= the administration of a household.
A) In different ages God chose to reveal himself in different manners.
1) Before the flood God seems to have revealed himself to men on a more individual bases. Trace the Godly line from Seth to Noah.
2) After the flood He revealed Himself through Abraham and His family down to Joseph.
3) After the Exodus God gave to the nation of Israel a law whose ceremonies were designed to reveal God in picture form: types and shadows.
4) Then came the kingdom age and the age of the prophets.
5) Then these last days according to Hebrews 1:1-2, God has spoken through His Son.
6) It is important to understand that there are different dispensations and not try to apply things meant for one dispensation to another. While there are truths to be learned in each, the practices required in one does not translate into a requirement for the next.
7) Ex. The sacrifices required under the dispensation of the law, being fulfilled in Christ are no longer applicable today.
B) Of the fullness of times= the wrapping up of time.
1) Hebrews 1:2, these last days.
II) He might gather together in one all things in Christ
A) The purpose of this divine plan- to gather together in one (Christ) all that will be redeemed.
Verse 11
I) In whom also- carries us back to the “beloved” of verse 6.
II) We have obtained an inheritance
A) “Have obtained” this is a present possession, obtained at a point in time. That time being the moment of salvation.
1) It is passive voice, meaning we did not obtain it ourselves but that it was bestowed upon or gained for us by another. (in whom)
2) It is a prepared place, John 14: 2
3) It is reserved 1 Peter 1:3-4.
4) It is a precious place
a) John 17: 24 – with me where I am
b) Revelation 19: 7-9 – bride of Christ
c) Ephesians 2: 6 – That inheritance is a place by His side
B) Being predestinated- this predestination is not to salvation but to the inheritance and blessing being spoken of.
C) According to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.
1) What was that purpose? To gather us in Christ with all the blessing associated with it.
2) It is in accordance with the wisdom spoken of in verse 8. Reference Romans 8:28
3) He that began this work is able and willing to complete it. Philippians 1:6
4) What joy and comfort it should give to know He will never grow weary and abandon the task of our salvation until the day we are delivered in the likeness of His dear Son.
Verse 12
I) That we should be to the praise of His glory. 1 Peter 1: 10-12
That angels desire to look into- what a wondrous salvation!
II) Who first trusted in Christ
A) First= to hope in advance of other confirmation. The words first and trusted are one Greek word that essentially says “fore-trusted”.
1) Not speaking of place or time as to others but of the fulfilment of the promised inheritance. Examples are:
a) Abraham Hebrews 11: 8-10
b) Moses Hebrews 11: 24-27
c) The great cloud of witnesses Hebrews 12: 1
d) Each saint adds his or her name to that list.
2) Those who trust in Christ are promised never to be put to shame or embarrassed by that confidence. Romans 10: 11
3) Knowing this we should rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 1 Peter 1: 8-9
4) The reason is that our confidence is not in our performance but His promise, and willingness to complete the work. Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:6
B) Trusted- to repose hope and confidence in a person or thing, with the prefix “pro” attached it means do before hand, thus the translation “first trusted”.
1) Our trust is not in a doctrine or creed but in Christ. Thus our faith is in the person that our doctrine reveals.