Carry on…with
Purpose
Before and After
At some point in our lives
we ask: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Paul makes clear the fact that God
has called each of us to a divine purpose – divine because it’s from Him. Our purpose
on this earth is to bring glory to the One who has made us and save us. But the
way we bring Him glory will be unique to each of us. God uses our specific
backgrounds, where we’re from and the family we’re raised in. He takes our
experiences and our circumstances, and He customizes a distinct purpose for
each of us.
Read Ephesians 2:1-3
Paul says we previously lived according to our fleshly
desires. “But God.” Each one of us has a “But God” story and each story is
different.
Let's look at three different "But God" stories in Scripture: Paul's, Peter's and John's. Click for video.
Let's look at three different "But God" stories in Scripture: Paul's, Peter's and John's. Click for video.
To experience genuine change, there must be takeover
before there’s makeover. Invite God to takeover every area of your life – let
the spiritual makeover begin.
Diving Deeper
In what way does Paul say we were once “dead”?
How does Paul describe the way we previously lived?
When our spirits are resurrected in Christ, our old life –
with its destructive habits and sins – is buried, but that doesn’t mean we’ll
never be tempted again. In what area of your life does sin still seem to hold a
power over you? Invite God to take over this area, and perhaps seek the counsel
of a trusted friend or pastor.
Sometimes we let our past sins loom over us with shame
and guilt. But those sins have been forgiven in Jesus’ name! Does a part of
your past still bring you shame? Ask God to take over in this area too. You’ve
been forgiven.
Write it out – As
we write out Ephesians 2:1-3, let’s give God thanks for burying or old way of
life and for giving us a new life in Christ
Prayer: Thank You, God, for burying
the old me and giving me new life. Thank You for setting me free from shame and
guilt. Help me to share this amazing Good News with everyone I know. Help me to
give You all the credit and glory for every change You’ve made in me. Amen.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
Denise J. Hughes, “Word
Writes: Ephesians”
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