Awakened to Purpose: Living as God’s Masterpiece

SLIDE: Scripture Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

VIDEO: The Touch of the Master’s Hand

SLIDE: Title

Introduction

Every believer is a work of art, intricately designed by God with intention and purpose. Thus, we meed to seek our God-given mission to help us understand that our lives have significance in advancing His kingdom. instilling a sense of hope and motivation to impact their communities positively.

We’ll see today how our transformation in Christ calls us into a purposeful and impactful life, demonstrating that every one of us is uniquely created by God to make a difference as His masterpiece.

Main Teaching

Our teaching today will focus on the understanding that our salvation leads not only to personal transformation but also to active participation in God’s redemptive work. It highlights our identity as God's creations called for good works, stressing the importance of living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect God's love and grace.

SLIDE: Awakened from Death

1. Awakening from Death

In the early 1900s, there was a documented case of a man who was pronounced dead after a severe illness. His family mourned and prepared for his burial. However, during the funeral, he suddenly awakened, gasping for air. His miraculous recovery prompted many to investigate his transformation. After sharing his harrowing experience, he became a fervent preacher, spreading the gospel with urgency, alive to tell how God's grace had pulled him back from the brink of death. This illustrates the profound change that Christ can make, transforming every soul on the verge of eternal separation into a living message of hope.

Ephesians 2:1–3 NLT

1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

Our previous state apart from Christ, had us living under the influence of sin and the world's standard. In our helplessness, God's intervention becomes all the more necessary and transformative. It sets the stage for understanding grace as something we didn't earn, and it is Christ's redemption that begins our transformation. In reality, we need Christ to awaken us from spiritual death.

SLIDE: Alive by Grace

2. Alive by Grace

In the early 1800s, John Newton, a slave ship captain, lived a life far from God. However, a violent storm at sea led him to cry out to God for mercy. In that moment of desperation, he experienced grace like never before. Newton's dramatic conversion turned him from a life of sin to one of service, ultimately leading to the writing of the hymn 'Amazing Grace.' This powerful story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, regardless of their past.

Ephesians 2:4–7 NLT

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

We are transformed by God's mercy and love. Despite our past, God’s rich love leads to being made alive with Christ. We witness a profound shift from death to life because of grace. In addressing this mystery, we appreciate the gift of salvation. Therefore, we celebrate and embrace our new identity found in Christ, understanding that we are raised with Him and seated in the heavens.

Conclusion

SLIDE: Activated for Purpose

3. Activated for Purpose

William Wilberforce, a member of the British Parliament in the late 18th century, underwent a dramatic conversion to Christianity that changed not just his life but history itself. After his conversion, he dedicated his life to fighting against the slave trade in Britain, leading a campaign that lasted over 20 years. His journey illustrates how a heartfelt commitment to faith can activate a purpose driven by love and justice, showcasing the impact one transformed life can have in the world.

The life of Florence Nightingale is a powerful story of dramatic transformation. Initially coming from a wealthy family with expectations of marriage, Nightingale felt an undeniable call to serve the sick and wounded. She committed herself to nursing during the Crimean War and transformed the standards of healthcare. Her experience illustrates how a pivotal conversion moment—accepting her God-given purpose—can activate profound changes not just in one’s own life, but across entire fields of society, touching countless others through dedicated service.

Ephesians 2:8–10 NLT

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Grace alone saves us, not works, but this salvation calls us to action. We are God’s handiwork, created for good works prepared in advance. Delivering this as a call to live with purpose to cherish our identity as His masterpiece, and use our unique gifts to bless others. All of this is for the purpose to reinforce our impact in His kingdom. In doing so, we participate in the mission of God's love and restoration.

In conclusion: Our Scripture today (Ephesians 2:1–10) presents a beautiful testament to God’s love as it transitions from our helpless state of sin and death to being crafted as God's masterpieces, alive in Christ. Our passage reveals the depth of God's grace, illustrating how He not only forgives and revives us but also emboldens us to live out His purpose through good works that He has prepared for us in advance.

SLIDE: Prayer