Our Role in God's Purpose
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This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:11-13
1. God’s eternal purpose is achieved through Christ
God’s eternal purpose is achieved through Christ
The Eternal Purpose is for God’s Glory to be Proclaimed
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
b. Christ Jesus Achieved God’s Eternal Purpose
-Past, Present, & Future
-The plan from the beginning
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
2. We have boldness and access with confidence through faith
a. Security (Confidence) in God’s grace and Compassion (Approach the Throne)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
b. Access to the Spirit, (Power in Prayer)
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
c. Confidence in God’s Eternal Purpose and His Promises
d. Boldness to live for Christ
Hebrew
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
-Obedience leads to more obedience, Sin leads to more sin.
Quote by C.S. Lewis
“Good and Evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.”
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
3. Suffering for Glory
a. For God’s Glory
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
b. For others glory
i. Sacrifice to elevate others
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
Romans 16:
Romans 16:
-Barnabus and John Mark
Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
Conclusion
-Does your life reflect the boldness and confidence of an almighty God who has already achieved his eternal purpose?
-Does your faith empower you to live confidently in Christ?
-Do we gladly endure suffering for the benefit of Christ, the benefit of others or alongside others?