Becoming Who We Are (Pt. 1)

INTRO

STORY — It’s importance. Character development, etc.

GOD’S PRIMARY MODE OF COMMUNICATION? Story.

The Gospel story should radically transform every part of our story

The Book of Ephesians teaches us how to become who we are in Jesus

BODY

Ephesians

Written by the Apostle Paul

Broken up into two major sections: Chapters 1-3 and Chapters 4-6.

According to the structure of this letter, Paul teaches in order to become who we are, we must first trust in what God has done for us...

Chapter 1 — The Gospel Story

Opening Poem (1:3-14) — What God has done THROUGH Jesus

Covenant Family — In Jesus, we are one. We are unified. There is no distinction.

Forgiveness — In Jesus, we are right with God. We are forgiven of everything we’ve ever done. Forgiveness is our reality. Forgiveness is our lifestyle and worldview.

Prayer (1:15-23) — The earnest pleading for us to actually experience this reality.

Verse 18-19 — Paul prays for 3 revelations

The Hope of His Calling

Notice, that it doesn’t say “your calling”, but “His calling”. This suggests that “the calling” is solely based on God’s initiative, not ours. In other words, more than discovering “our personal calling”, I must first know and believe that God first called me to Himself.

The Riches of the Glory of His inheritance

Because of God’s calling, we have an inheritance. Trusting in Your heavenly inheritance is a form of resistance to systems of power. Even though companies and “rich” people take away material things, no one can take away your heavenly inheritance. Because what is true of Jesus is now true of You.

The Boundless greatness of His power

God’s calling and our God-given inheritance can only be a reality by the “boundless greatness of His power”. God is POWERFUL.

TOWARD ALL WHO BELIEVE

The most challenging part of the Gospel Story is not understanding it, but trusting in it. There is no work. There is no merit. More than our personal work and obedience, we must trust in God. Because trusting in God the Father is the ultimate act of obedience.

The Supremacy of Jesus gives us permission to experience all that we have and all that we are in Him.

How I Started to Trust — Your Story

I let go.

Let go of the lies I was living

Cling to reality that Jesus has given me.

I focus less on my unworthiness, and become more thankful for who He is.

I listen.

CLOSING

This is my story. This is who I am becoming who I am.

I realize, especially as a pastor, I cannot teach you to open your eyes to see what God has done. All I can do is (1) tell you my story and (2) pray that You can see. But I will be faithful with my story.