Living Chosen: Embracing the Full Blessing of Who We Are in Christ

Title: “Living Chosen: Embracing the Full Blessing of Who We Are in Christ”

Subtitle: Step Into the Power, Purpose, and Promises of Your Calling

Opening Paragraph:

Last week, we stood together celebrating the greatest victory in history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In that moment, hope felt alive, faith felt strong, and anything seemed possible. But then Monday came. The bills still piled up. The doctor’s report still weighed heavy. The tension in your home didn’t magically disappear. Doubt crept back in. The joy of Easter can feel distant when you’re facing the reality of a broken world—when you’re battling anxiety that keeps you up at night, or wondering how you’ll hold your family together, or questioning if God can really use someone like you.

But here’s the truth we need to anchor ourselves in—the resurrection wasn’t meant to stay at the empty tomb; it was meant to redefine how we live in every trial, every decision, every day. That’s why we’re turning to the book of Ephesians. Paul shows us that living in the resurrection isn’t about escaping life’s struggles—it’s about standing in victory while walking through them.

So here’s our anthem today and throughout this series:

👉 “I don’t just face life—I standing on resurrection ground.”

When fear comes, when finances tighten, when relationships strain, when the enemy whispers lies—you remind yourself: I’m standing on resurrection ground. Because on this ground, you are chosen, redeemed, empowered, and called to live differently. As we open Ephesians, we’re going to discover how to stop living like victims of life and start living as victors in Christ—people who face every challenge with resurrection confidence.

Sermon Outline:

I have entitle this walk through Ephesians as “Who Are We.” It’s both a personal discovery and collective journey as we stand together on resurrected ground. Paul opens the book to the church at Ephesus with a reminder of who they are in Christ. if you don’t understand who you are in Christ you will never experience the power of Christ. In Chapter one, we find 5 realities that define our resurrection and teach us “How to Live in the Full Blessing of Our Calling in Christ”

Ephesians 1:1–3 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

1. Recognize You Are Chosen with Purpose

Ephesians 1:4–6 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Illustration of Choice: My marriage to Kim. Back in 1988 I was working at a church camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I watch this camper from Kansas City get off the bus. God has already told me I would marry her before I ever saw her. by the end of the week we were together and I told everyone I’m off the market I’m going to marry this girl. We dated for two years and I asked her to marry me and she said yes. Who chose who?

Chosen to Be Holy and Blameless

God chose us to be set apart and blameless in Christ. We chose to receive his love and position in Christ.

God didn’t just choose you for heaven—He chose you for holiness today.

Adopted by His Will, for His Glory

Your adoption wasn’t your idea—it was God’s delight, so your life would display His glorious grace.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Before creation, God set His love on you—not randomly, but intentionally.

Application: Reject the lies of insignificance. Wake up each day declaring, “I am chosen for God’s purpose.”

Hook: “When the world tells you that you’re insignificant or forgotten, remember—you were chosen before time began. I don’t face rejection—I’m standing on resurrection ground.”

2. Rest in Redemption’s Freedom

Ephesians 1:7–10 ESV

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Forgiven According to the Riches of His Grace

God’s riches have become your inheritance

God’s grace isn’t limited—it’s lavish and overflowing for every sin.

You are fully forgiven—not partially, but completely, through Christ’s sacrifice.

You can take rest in God’s riches.

Invited Into the Mystery of His Will

Jesus has called you friend.

John 15:15 ESV

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Redemption opens your eyes to God’s greater plan—to unite all things in Christ.

Matthew 13:10–11 ESV

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

Application: Stop carrying what Christ has already cleansed. Walk in freedom, knowing your past no longer holds you.

Hook: “When guilt from your past tries to creep back in, remind yourself—I’m not bound anymore. I don’t face my past—I stand on resurrection ground.”

3. Rejoice in Your Guaranteed Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11–14 ESV

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 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, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Predestined to Hope in Christ.

God’s purpose is to have a people the live in faith, hope, and love.

Our purpose is to be the praise of his glory.

Sealed with the Holy Spirit as the Guarantee

The Spirit is God’s personal pledge that what He promised, He will fulfill.

God has sealed your inheritance with the Comforter, Counselor, Guide, and Convictor.

Romans 8:16–17 ESV

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

You are spiritually rich—heaven’s inheritance is already yours.

Application: Live like an heir, not like a victim. Let eternal promises guide your daily perspective.

Hook: “When fear of the future starts to overwhelm you, say it out loud—I don’t face uncertainty—I stand on resurrection ground, where my inheritance is secure.”

4. Rely on Resurrection Power Daily

Ephesians 1:18–21 ESV

18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Eyes Enlightened to Hope and Inheritance

When you see with your heart spiritually, you live differently—with confidence in your calling.

God’s power isn’t theoretical—it’s active and available for believers.

Empowered by His Immeasurable Greatness

The same power that raised Christ is working in you right now.

Philippians 3:10 ESV

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Application: Face today’s challenges with tomorrow’s victory. Pray boldly, act courageously, and expect God to move.

Hook:“When you feel weak, exhausted, or like you can’t go on—declare it—I don’t face this in my strength. I stand on resurrection ground, where His power lives in me.”

5. Reflect Christ’s Glory in Every Step

Christ as Head Fills All in All

You are part of His body—His presence fills you to represent Him in the world.

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

You must submit to the headship of Christ in your life.

Your Life Is to the Praise of His Glory

Everything you do should point back to the greatness of God.

Ephesians 1:12 ESV

12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

You are the evidence of Christ’s victory on earth.

Application: Let your life point people to Jesus. Live intentionally so others see Christ through you.

Hook: “When you wonder if your life makes a difference, remember—every step you take on resurrection ground reflects His glory to a watching world.”

Action Steps:

Speak God’s Truth Over Your Life – Each morning this week, declare Ephesians 1: “I am chosen, redeemed, and empowered.”

Surrender Control to the Spirit – Set aside intentional time to ask the Holy Spirit to lead your decisions and strengthen your faith.

Shine His Glory – Find one way this week to reflect Christ—whether through serving, sharing your testimony, or encouraging someone in need.

Conclusion:

“You’ve heard it throughout this message—but now it’s your turn to decide. Will you keep facing life from a place of fear, defeat, and doubt? Or will you rise up and declare—‘I don’t just face life—I stand on resurrection ground’? This altar is open for those ready to stop living beneath their calling and start standing where Christ has placed them—on victory ground.”

Altar Call:

Let me ask you—Are you truly living like someone chosen by God?

Have you been walking in freedom, or are you still chained by guilt, fear, or the opinions of others?

Are you relying on resurrection power, or are you surviving in your own strength?

Does your life reflect His glory, or have you settled for spiritual mediocrity?

God is calling you out of complacency and into the fullness of your calling. This isn’t just an emotional moment—this is a defining decision. Will you continue to live beneath your spiritual inheritance, or will you step forward and declare, “I will live chosen!”?

If you’re ready to leave behind the mindset of defeat, if you’re hungry to experience the power, purpose, and promises of God in a fresh way—then come.

This altar is a place of exchange—your weakness for His strength, your doubt for His destiny.

Pastoral Prayer:

“Lord, we stand before You today as a people called by Your name. We surrender every false identity, every fear, and every limitation we’ve placed on ourselves. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit. Let resurrection power rise within us. May we walk from this altar as sons and daughters who know they are chosen, redeemed, and empowered to reflect Your glory. Use us to expand Your Kingdom and trust You for the impossible. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

Small Group Discussion Guide:

How does knowing you are “sealed with the Spirit” change how you view your daily struggles and future?

What does relying on resurrection power look like in practical, everyday decisions?

In what ways can your life more clearly reflect “the praise of His glory” this week?

YouTube Synopsis:

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wondering about your purpose? In this message, “Living Chosen: Embracing the Full Blessing of Who We Are in Christ,” Pastor Bill Sizemore reveals how Ephesians 1 holds the key to unlocking your true identity. You are chosen, redeemed, and empowered to live in God’s purpose with resurrection power!

Discover how to:

✔️ Break free from fear and insecurity

✔️ Walk confidently in your God-given calling

✔️ Experience the power of the Holy Spirit daily

✔️ Reflect God’s glory in every area of life

Don’t settle for less than what God has promised—live chosen and step boldly into His blessings today!

👉 Watch now and start living in the fullness of who you are in Christ.

🔔 Subscribe for more messages that will strengthen your faith and ignite your purpose.

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