Embracing Our Identity as God's Masterpieces
Summary
### Summary
Today's message is centered around the theme "Masterpiece," emphasizing that we are wonderfully made by God. Despite the challenges and imperfections we face in life, we are crafted from the best materials by the best Creator. The analogy of inflation in speech, inspired by Victor Borger, humorously illustrates how God's blessings inflate our lives beyond measure. We are not just wonderful; we are "two-to-full," overflowing with God's grace and blessings.
The core scripture from Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works, so no one can boast. This grace is a continuous journey, not a one-time event. We are God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good works He planned for us long ago. To truly understand and live out our identity as God's masterpiece, we must understand the Master—God Himself.
The message also delves into the importance of reflecting God's character in our lives. Just as great artists' masterpieces are better appreciated when we understand the artists themselves, our lives become masterpieces when we understand and embody God's character. This involves shifting our focus from our fleshly weaknesses to our spiritual strengths, embracing God's grace, and living out our divine purpose and identity.
We are encouraged to move beyond the superficial elements of our lives and embrace the divine elements that God has instilled in us. This involves a radical shift in thinking and living, aligning our actions and thoughts with God's character. The message concludes with a call to recognize that there are no ordinary people; everyone is a potential masterpiece reflecting God's image. We must balance our lives with God's divine elements and strive to look more like Jesus in our daily interactions.
### Key Takeaways
1. We Are Wonderfully Made: Despite our flaws and past mistakes, we are crafted by God from the best materials. Our worth is not determined by our circumstances but by the Creator who made us. Embracing this truth helps us see ourselves as God sees us—His masterpieces. [01:42]
2. Grace is a Continuous Journey: Salvation and grace are not one-time events but ongoing processes. We must continually believe and rely on God's grace to navigate life's challenges. This ongoing belief shapes our character and aligns us with God's purpose. [04:43]
3. Understanding the Master to Become a Masterpiece: To truly become the masterpieces God created us to be, we must understand and reflect His character. This involves studying God's nature and allowing His qualities to shape our identity and purpose. [07:33]
4. Living Beyond the Flesh: Our true identity and purpose are found in our spiritual makeup, not our fleshly desires or weaknesses. By focusing on God's character and divine elements, we can overcome our human limitations and live out our divine purpose. [10:56]
5. No Ordinary People: Every person is a potential masterpiece, reflecting God's image. Recognizing this helps us treat others with dignity and respect, understanding that everyone has a divine purpose and worth. This perspective transforms our interactions and relationships. [53:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:47] - Introduction to "Masterpiece"
[01:42] - God's Inflation of Blessings
[02:28] - Made from the Best
[03:28] - Ephesians 2:8-10: Saved by Grace
[04:43] - Continuous Journey of Belief
[05:49] - God's Masterpiece
[06:34] - Understanding the Master
[07:33] - Appreciating Great Art
[08:29] - Beyond the Natural
[10:07] - Spiritual Makeup
[10:56] - Reflecting God's Character
[12:29] - Identity and Purpose
[14:05] - Image Bearers of God
[15:42] - Promoting God's Character
[17:09] - Embracing Purpose Over Addiction
[18:13] - Speaking Grace Over Temptation
[19:30] - Decision Making in Faith
[20:05] - Staying True to God's Character
[21:46] - Embracing Grace Over Shame
[23:18] - God's Personality in Us
[24:49] - Worth Connected to the Creator
[26:40] - Embracing God's Personality
[28:01] - Governed by Divine Elements
[29:18] - Divine Table of Elements
[30:44] - Supernatural Creation
[32:13] - Thinking Differently
[33:46] - Giving Our Bodies to God
[35:17] - Identity and Purpose in God
[37:06] - Living Through the Spirit
[38:54] - Made from Supernatural DNA
[40:07] - God's Image in Us
[41:42] - Clarity in Identity
[43:07] - God's Perfect Picture
[44:40] - Sin and God's Image
[46:09] - Post-Sin Image of God
[47:36] - Distorted but Not Lost
[49:14] - Practice of God's Image
[50:40] - Reflecting God's Glory
[52:22] - Equal Dignity for All
[53:54] - No Ordinary People
[55:19] - Looking Like Jesus
[56:56] - Living by Divine Elements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Masterpiece"
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Genesis 1:26-27: "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
3. Romans 8:29: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the basis of our salvation, and what are we created to do? [03:28]
2. How does Genesis 1:26-27 describe the creation of mankind, and what purpose does it assign to humanity?
3. In Romans 8:29, what does it mean to be "conformed to the image of his Son"? How does this relate to our identity as God's masterpiece?
4. The sermon mentioned that we are made from the best materials by the best Creator. What analogy was used to illustrate this point? [02:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-10) influence our daily lives and interactions with others? [04:43]
2. What does it mean to reflect God's character in our lives, and how can this understanding transform our identity and purpose? [07:33]
3. The sermon emphasized that we are wonderfully made despite our flaws and past mistakes. How can this perspective change the way we view ourselves and others? [01:42]
4. How does the concept of being "conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29) challenge us to live differently in our daily lives? [24:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or flawed. How can embracing the truth that you are God's masterpiece change your perspective in similar situations? [01:42]
2. In what ways can you actively rely on God's grace in your daily challenges, rather than trying to overcome them by your own strength? [04:43]
3. Think about an area in your life where you struggle to reflect God's character. What specific steps can you take to align your actions and thoughts with God's nature? [10:56]
4. Identify a person in your life who you find difficult to love or respect. How can recognizing that they are also a potential masterpiece of God change your interactions with them? [53:54]
5. How can you shift your focus from your fleshly weaknesses to your spiritual strengths this week? What practical actions can you take to embrace your divine purpose? [10:07]
6. Consider the divine elements that God has instilled in you. How can you incorporate these elements into your daily routine to better reflect Jesus in your interactions? [56:56]
7. What is one specific way you can balance your life with God's divine elements and strive to look more like Jesus in your daily interactions? [55:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Crafted by the Best Creator
Description: Despite our flaws and past mistakes, we are crafted by God from the best materials. Our worth is not determined by our circumstances but by the Creator who made us. Embracing this truth helps us see ourselves as God sees us—His masterpieces. Understanding that we are wonderfully made by God can transform our self-perception and how we interact with the world. We are not defined by our failures or shortcomings but by the divine craftsmanship that went into our creation. [01:42]
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt inadequate or unworthy. How can you remind yourself today that you are wonderfully made by God, crafted from the best materials?
Day 2: Grace as a Lifelong Journey
Description: Salvation and grace are not one-time events but ongoing processes. We must continually believe and rely on God's grace to navigate life's challenges. This ongoing belief shapes our character and aligns us with God's purpose. Understanding grace as a continuous journey helps us to remain humble and dependent on God, recognizing that our spiritual growth is a lifelong process. This perspective encourages us to seek God's guidance and strength daily, knowing that His grace is sufficient for every situation. [04:43]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can you rely on God's grace today to navigate this situation, trusting that His power is made perfect in your weakness?
Day 3: Knowing the Master to Reflect His Masterpiece
Description: To truly become the masterpieces God created us to be, we must understand and reflect His character. This involves studying God's nature and allowing His qualities to shape our identity and purpose. Just as great artists' masterpieces are better appreciated when we understand the artists themselves, our lives become masterpieces when we understand and embody God's character. This requires a commitment to learning about God through His Word and seeking to live out His attributes in our daily lives. [07:33]
Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What is one attribute of God's character that you want to reflect more in your life? How can you intentionally cultivate this attribute in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: Embracing Our Spiritual Identity
Description: Our true identity and purpose are found in our spiritual makeup, not our fleshly desires or weaknesses. By focusing on God's character and divine elements, we can overcome our human limitations and live out our divine purpose. This involves a radical shift in thinking and living, aligning our actions and thoughts with God's character. Embracing our spiritual identity helps us to see beyond our physical and emotional struggles, recognizing that we are empowered by God's Spirit to fulfill His plans for our lives. [10:56]
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with fleshly desires. How can you focus on your spiritual identity and rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome these challenges today?
Day 5: Recognizing the Divine in Everyone
Description: Every person is a potential masterpiece, reflecting God's image. Recognizing this helps us treat others with dignity and respect, understanding that everyone has a divine purpose and worth. This perspective transforms our interactions and relationships, encouraging us to see the value in each individual. By acknowledging that there are no ordinary people, we are called to love and serve others as Christ did, fostering a community that reflects God's love and grace. [53:54]
James 3:9-10 (ESV): "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love or respect. How can you intentionally recognize and honor the divine image in them today, treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many of you realize that God has not put one inferior product in you? He has not skimped it. He hasn't skimped on anything. He has not gone for the cheap and nasty. He hasn't even cut down on the shipping. He sent His only begotten Son to make the delivery. That'll preach." [03:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God saved you by His grace when you believed. Say believed. How many of you know that believed is not a one-off thing? Oh, that was when I saved. I'm with Jesus. Point, snap, switch, tap. I'm so spiritual. Oh, I get emotional about myself. How many of you realize that your salvation story was the start of your belief? How many of you have experienced major challenges since you gave your life to Jesus that you needed some belief to get through? Belief is not a one-off thing. Grace is not a one-off thing." [04:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must allow God's character to shape our identity and purpose. And I want you to focus on those two words throughout the next eight weeks as we journey together, our identity and purpose. Why is our identity and purpose so important? Well, if we rewind to Genesis, when God made man in His image, He gave him an identity and He gave him a purpose to match the image that he was supposed to be walking, his identity and his purpose out from." [12:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Scripture tells us that we were designed to be the image bearers of God. We were designed to be the image bearers of God. You weren't supposed to look like your dad. You weren't supposed to look like your mom in the spirit. You were supposed to look like dad, the father in the spirit. Oh, I come from this country, it's just how we do it. No, I come from heaven, and I'm going to check with heaven how I'm supposed to do it in heaven because I pray every day on earth as it is." [14:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Shame is not conquered by the eradication of guilt, but by embracing grace. Shame is not eradicated by conquering or getting rid of guilt. Shame will always be part of you, even if you don't do the wrong thing. Think about it. I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do, I'm not going to do. Okay, just this once. And then I'll get better again tomorrow. And tomorrow comes and you don't fail. And Tuesday comes and you don't fail. And then Wednesday comes and you fail. And you say, well, I didn't do it on Monday and Tuesday. We don't get rid of shame by managing guilt and feelings of guilt and giving ourselves excuses around guilt. No, we eradicate shame and guilt by embracing the personality element of God called grace." [23:18] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we want to understand how we are to be a masterpiece and to become the masterpiece that God has created, we have to understand the master. To become the masterpiece, we have to get into the knowledge of the master. Slide, please. To become that ability to be walking in that grace, to be able to be pushing ourselves forward, to be able to be growing in Jesus Christ, to be able to be using our salvation daily, to be able to be always applying grace, to be able to always be walking out the wonder and the story of our belief, we have to understand the master." [06:34] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to be promoting the elements of God's character in a world that is setting up its own values and its own elements of governance. In this country, we're going through the turmoil of having a look at what human governance and fighting for power can do to a country. The very democratic process that we enjoy in this country right now is being used to kill this country. And I'm not getting into politics. I'm just getting into news. And when we have a look at that, it's because people are not bearing God's character to the world. They're bearing their own agendas. They have agendas because they've lost their identity in God and they've lost their purpose in Christ." [15:42] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We deliberate over decisions as opposed to releasing ourselves in faith. How many of you are caught in this cycle of self-doubt when making a decision? Should I go? No, hang on. Yeah, I'm definitely going to get ice cream. No, no. No, I think frozen yogurt's better for me. But I don't like the flavors, so I prefer the flavors of this chocolate mousse. No, but chocolate is too bad. I think maybe frozen yogurt. Get on with it. It's all bad for you. Just eat what you want to eat for Pete's sake. You can go on diet on Monday, right? Monday never comes, praise Jesus." [19:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you've got God's character in mind, you can't make a mistake. Think about it. You can't make a mistake. If you're focused on the character of God, you can go left, he'll bless you. You can go right, he'll bless you. You can run straight back and bang into the wall. He'll bless you because you got his character in mind. Try and avoid the wall. You can't make a mistake. The flesh might think you can make a mistake, but if you stay focused on the character of God, God? That's what he asks in Scripture right the way through the nation of Israel. He asks that, stay true to my relationship with you. Stay true to who I am." [20:05] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A powerful life is more about what we need to embrace about God than what we need to despise about ourselves. Oh, I just hate this about myself. Quit hating that about yourself and start loving what God's personality does. Quit that thing. Oh, I'm just, I'm just, I'm just, I'm so hot-headed. I hate the fact that I just jumped to conclusions and get so angry. Well, then why don't you embrace God being so slow to anger in your life? He said he's conquered everything that will bring you down. He said he's conquered everything that will take you out. He said he's conquered everything that will minimize your identity and purpose. So why don't we embrace it?" [26:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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