Awakening Our Identity and Mission in Christ
Summary
In our journey through the letter to the Ephesians, we delve into the profound truths that the Apostle Paul imparts to us about our identity in Christ. As we unpack these scriptures, we are reminded that our existence is not confined to the earthly realm but is also firmly rooted in the heavenly places, where Christ reigns supreme. This dual citizenship is not a future promise but a present reality, where the spheres of heaven and earth intersect, and we are called to live in the fullness of God's kingdom now.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians is a poetic masterpiece, a single sentence in the original Greek, which encapsulates the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. It is a call to awaken from our slumber, to rise from the complacency that either renders us graceless judges within the church or causes us to capitulate to secular culture. Instead, we are to be fully awake, living in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, sealed and guaranteed by God's promise.
The concept of predestination, as presented by Paul, is not a divisive or anxiety-inducing doctrine but one that should lead us to worship. It is a reminder that we are chosen not for exclusivity but for a mission—to be a blessing to the nations, just as Abraham, Israel, and ultimately Jesus were. This understanding of being chosen is not about individual election but about being part of the collective 'y'all,' the church, called to participate in God's grand story of redemption.
As we reflect on our place in this story, we are confronted with the reality that we are not outcasts in the game of life, subject to the whims of fate or the declarations of others. Instead, we are chosen, adopted, and called by God Himself. This truth should transform our lives from worry to worship, as we recognize the lavish grace and love that God has poured out upon us through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Our identity in Christ is not merely a future hope but a present reality where heaven and earth overlap. We are called to live in this intersection, fully aware of our heavenly citizenship and the kingdom work we are to do on earth. This understanding should shape our daily lives, infusing them with purpose and power. [01:02:37]
- The church must awaken from its slumber, neither retreating into a graceless existence nor conforming to secular culture. We are to be fully awake, embodying the love and truth of Christ, engaging with the world around us with the transformative power of the gospel. [59:47]
- Predestination, according to Paul, is a call to worship, not a cause for worry. It is a reminder that we are part of God's redemptive plan, chosen to bless others as we have been blessed. This understanding should fill us with gratitude and lead us to a life of worship. [01:27:03]
- The Holy Spirit is our seal and guarantee of inheritance, empowering us to live a life that reflects our heavenly position. We are not left to our own devices but are equipped with supernatural power to live out our calling. This assurance should embolden us to live confidently and faithfully. [01:20:03]
- Understanding our role in God's story is crucial. We are not isolated believers but part of the 'y'all,' the collective body of Christ, chosen to carry out God's mission in the world. This communal aspect of our faith should encourage us to work together, supporting and strengthening one another as we advance God's kingdom. [01:22:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV)
> "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, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 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, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 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, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says we are blessed "in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places"? (Ephesians 1:3)
2. How does Paul describe our adoption as sons through Jesus Christ? (Ephesians 1:5)
3. What are the key actions that God has taken on our behalf according to Ephesians 1:3-14? (e.g., blessed, chose, predestined, redeemed, forgiven)
4. What is the significance of being "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit"? (Ephesians 1:13-14)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our dual citizenship in heaven and on earth impact our daily lives? (Ephesians 1:3-4) [01:02:37]
2. What does it mean to be "fully awake" as a church, and how can we avoid the extremes of being graceless or conforming to secular culture? (Ephesians 1:18-19) [59:47]
3. How should the concept of predestination lead us to worship rather than worry? (Ephesians 1:5-6) [01:27:03]
4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower us to live out our heavenly position on earth? (Ephesians 1:13-14) [01:20:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. How can you live more consciously aware of your heavenly citizenship and the kingdom work you are called to do on earth? (Ephesians 1:3-4) [01:02:37]
2. In what areas of your life might you be "asleep" or conforming to secular culture? How can you become more "awake" and embody the love and truth of Christ? (Ephesians 1:18-19) [59:47]
3. How can you shift your perspective on predestination from one of anxiety to one of worship and gratitude? (Ephesians 1:5-6) [01:27:03]
4. Think of a specific situation where you need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in that situation? (Ephesians 1:13-14) [01:20:03]
5. How can you actively participate in the collective mission of the church to bless others, as part of the "y'all" that Paul refers to? (Ephesians 1:13-14) [01:22:06]
6. Identify one way you can support and strengthen a fellow believer this week, recognizing that you are part of the collective body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:13-14) [01:22:06]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt like an outcast. How does understanding your identity in Christ as chosen and adopted change your perspective on that experience? (Ephesians 1:5) [01:13:04]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the profound truths of our identity in Christ as presented in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. May it lead to meaningful discussions and transformative insights.
Devotional
Day 1: Living in Heaven's Intersection
Our identity in Christ transcends the physical world, placing us in the spiritual realm where heaven and earth converge. This is not a distant hope but a present reality that we are invited to experience and live out each day. As citizens of heaven, we are called to engage in the work of God's kingdom here on earth, allowing our heavenly citizenship to inform our earthly actions. This intersection is where our faith becomes active, where the spiritual blessings we have in Christ fuel our service, love, and commitment to others. It is in this space that we find our true purpose and are empowered to make a tangible difference in the world around us. [01:02:37]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your heavenly citizenship in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: Awakening to Gospel Transformation
The call to awaken from spiritual slumber is a charge to embrace the fullness of life in Christ, rejecting both legalism within the church and the pull of secular culture. This awakening involves recognizing the Holy Spirit's power within us, which enables us to live out the gospel in transformative ways. As believers, we are to embody the love and truth of Christ, actively engaging with the world in a manner that reflects the gospel's power to change lives. This means being alert to the needs around us, being ready to offer grace, and standing firm in the truth with a spirit of humility and love. [59:47]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: What is one way you can live out the transformative power of the gospel in your community this week?
Day 3: Worship in Light of Predestination
Predestination, as taught by Paul, is a doctrine that should lead us into deeper worship rather than cause for concern. It is a reminder that we have been chosen to participate in God's redemptive plan, a plan that extends beyond ourselves to bless the nations. This understanding of being chosen is meant to fill us with gratitude and propel us into a life of worship and service. As we embrace our role in God's story, we find our lives enriched with purpose and meaning, knowing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. [01:27:03]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: How does understanding your role in God's redemptive plan influence your worship and daily life?
Day 4: Empowered by the Spirit's Guarantee
The Holy Spirit is our seal and guarantee of our inheritance in Christ, providing us with the power to live lives that reflect our heavenly position. This divine empowerment is not something we earn but is a gift that assures us of our identity and calling. With the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can confidently navigate life's challenges and opportunities, knowing that we are equipped to fulfill our God-given purpose. This assurance should embolden us to live with confidence and faithfulness, making the most of every opportunity to demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God in our lives. [01:20:03]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV)
"And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power and less on your own strength?
Day 5: United in God's Redemptive Mission
Understanding our role in God's story is crucial; we are not isolated believers but part of the collective body of Christ, chosen to carry out God's mission in the world. This communal aspect of our faith calls us to work together, supporting and strengthening one another as we advance God's kingdom. As members of the 'y'all,' the church, we are called to live out the mission of being a blessing to others, just as we have been blessed. This sense of unity and purpose should inspire us to collaborate with our fellow believers, recognizing that together, we can make a greater impact for the kingdom of God. [01:22:06]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your connection with the body of Christ and contribute to the church's mission?
Quotes
1) "Paul's going to take us today... into the idea that either you're in or you're out and that somebody else would declare you're out... it's hard to believe in a God that says you're in. But that's where Paul's going to take us today." [58:18] (Download)
2) "Paul is calling us into that Space Between Heaven and Earth where they come together and says to live there where your new address is is living in the Supernatural power." [01:19:20] (Download)
3) "Paul uses some language in here that I'm going to unpack really quickly... he uses a lots of words that have become very big... like predestined, chosen... you were selected." [01:20:46] (Download)
4) "Paul has a different idea of predestination... out of the many God will choose one through whom he will return His blessings to the many... that's the role that Israel played, that's the role that he wants the church to play." [01:24:09] (Download)
5) "Paul would be astonished if you read that in our modern way of thinking today and said boy now I'm anxious because I wonder if I'm in or out. Paul would go, are you kidding me? You should be on your knees praising God right now after reading that." [01:27:03] (Download)
6) "The world desperately needs a church that is fully awake, that's not afraid and hiding in its own confines like it's in some shelter and it doesn't need us to partake in everything that culture is throwing our way." [01:28:37] (Download)
7) "He lavished upon us... that goes against some of your views of God doesn't it? Because some of us walk around thinking God's really strict and he's a miser and every now and then he may toss us a few crumbs but nothing ever more than that." [01:16:31] (Download)
8) "Paul being a faithful Jewish person... the temple would have been one of those places... where Heaven and Earth overlapped and God's Reign broke into this world." [01:04:37] (Download)
9) "Paul is presenting Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in this very compact, concise framing of what God has done." [01:11:30] (Download)
10) "The story of Salvation is not about how you found God but how God found you and on your behalf when you were powerless to do anything, God went into action." [01:13:04] (Download)
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