Embracing Our Worth and Unique Callings in Christ
Summary
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. This verse is a profound declaration of our purpose and value. The Greek word for workmanship, "poema," suggests that we are God's poem, His masterpiece. Many of us struggle to see ourselves as masterpieces, often feeling like we are not valuable. However, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is a testament to our worth. Jesus did not die for junk; He died for us because we are valuable to Him. The Holy Spirit resides in us, further affirming that we are not junk but masterpieces in God's eyes.
Our true beauty and greatness are revealed when we fulfill our calling. Trying to be someone else or living up to others' expectations can obscure our true potential. We are created to do good works, which are our contributions to the world. Life is not just about consuming or existing; it's about making a meaningful contribution. Each of us has unique good works to perform, and these are different for everyone. God has given us different callings and gifts so that everything in the world can be accomplished. Embracing our unique calling allows us to live out our purpose and reflect the masterpiece that God has created us to be.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Our Worth: Recognize that you are God's masterpiece, crafted with care and purpose. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross underscores your immense value. Embrace this truth and reject any notion that you are worthless or insignificant. [00:59]
2. Embrace Your Unique Calling: Each person has a unique set of good works to accomplish. Trying to imitate others or conform to their expectations can hinder your true potential. Discover and pursue your calling to reveal your true beauty and greatness. [01:30]
3. Contribute, Don't Just Consume: Life is not merely about consuming resources or existing. We are called to be contributors, making a positive impact in the world through our good works. Reflect on how you can contribute meaningfully to those around you. [01:47]
4. Diversity in Callings: God has given each of us different callings and gifts. This diversity ensures that all necessary work in the world gets done. Celebrate and appreciate the unique contributions of others while focusing on your own calling. [02:16]
5. Living Out Your Purpose: Fulfillment comes from living out the purpose God has designed for you. Seek to understand and embrace your role in God's plan, knowing that your life has a significant contribution to make. [02:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - God's Workmanship
[00:26] - You Are God's Poem
[00:45] - Recognizing Your Value
[00:59] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Worth
[01:14] - The Holy Spirit's Presence
[01:30] - Fulfilling Your Calling
[01:47] - Contribution Over Consumption
[02:00] - Unique Good Works
[02:16] - Diversity in Callings
[02:26] - Living Out Your Purpose
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:10
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "workmanship" mean in the context of Ephesians 2:10, and how does it relate to the Greek word "poema"? [00:26]
2. How does the sermon describe the value that God places on us, and what evidence is given to support this? [00:59]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Holy Spirit residing in us? [01:14]
4. What are the "good works" mentioned in Ephesians 2:10, and how are they described in the sermon? [01:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding oneself as God's "masterpiece" influence a person's self-worth and identity? [00:45]
2. What might be the consequences of trying to live up to others' expectations instead of fulfilling one's unique calling? [01:30]
3. How does the sermon suggest that diversity in callings contributes to the fulfillment of God's plan? [02:16]
4. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea of being a consumer rather than a contributor in life? [01:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were not valuable. How does the message of being God's masterpiece change your perspective on that experience? [00:59]
2. Identify a unique calling or gift you believe God has given you. How can you begin to embrace and pursue this calling more fully in your daily life? [01:30]
3. Consider your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you are more of a consumer than a contributor? What steps can you take to shift towards making meaningful contributions? [01:47]
4. How can you celebrate and appreciate the unique contributions of others in your community while focusing on your own calling? [02:16]
5. What practical steps can you take this week to live out the purpose God has designed for you, and how can you seek to understand your role in God's plan more deeply? [02:26]
6. Think of a specific situation where you have tried to conform to others' expectations. How can you redirect your efforts to align with your God-given purpose? [01:30]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of your worth and identity as God's masterpiece, especially during challenging times? [00:45]
Devotional
Day 1: You Are God's Masterpiece
Recognizing our worth as God's masterpiece is essential to understanding our purpose. Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. The Greek word "poema" implies that we are God's poem, His masterpiece. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy, but the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is a testament to our immense value. Jesus did not die for something worthless; He died for us because we are precious to Him. The Holy Spirit residing in us further affirms that we are not junk but masterpieces in God's eyes. Embracing this truth allows us to reject any notion of worthlessness and live confidently in our God-given identity. [00:59]
Isaiah 43:4 (ESV): "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life."
Reflection: What are some negative beliefs you hold about yourself that contradict your identity as God's masterpiece? How can you replace these beliefs with the truth of your worth in Christ today?
Day 2: Embrace Your Unique Calling
Each person has a unique set of good works to accomplish, and trying to imitate others can hinder our true potential. We are created to fulfill our calling, which reveals our true beauty and greatness. God has given us different callings and gifts so that everything in the world can be accomplished. Embracing our unique calling allows us to live out our purpose and reflect the masterpiece that God has created us to be. By discovering and pursuing our calling, we can reveal the true beauty and greatness that God has placed within us. [01:30]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What unique gifts or passions has God placed in your life? How can you begin to use them to serve others and fulfill your calling?
Day 3: Contribution Over Consumption
Life is not merely about consuming resources or existing; it is about making a meaningful contribution to the world. We are called to be contributors, making a positive impact through our good works. Each of us has unique contributions to make, and these are different for everyone. Reflecting on how we can contribute meaningfully to those around us helps us live out our purpose and reflect the masterpiece that God has created us to be. By focusing on contribution rather than consumption, we align ourselves with God's plan for our lives. [01:47]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from consuming to contributing in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take today to positively impact someone around you.
Day 4: Celebrate Diversity in Callings
God has given each of us different callings and gifts, ensuring that all necessary work in the world gets done. This diversity is a beautiful reflection of God's creativity and purpose. By celebrating and appreciating the unique contributions of others, we can focus on our own calling and live out our purpose. Embracing diversity in callings allows us to work together harmoniously, each fulfilling our role in God's plan. Recognizing the value of diverse callings helps us appreciate the richness of God's design for humanity. [02:16]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and support the unique callings of those around you? Consider one person whose gifts you can encourage and appreciate today.
Day 5: Living Out Your Purpose
Fulfillment comes from living out the purpose God has designed for us. Each of us has a significant contribution to make in God's plan, and understanding our role is key to experiencing true fulfillment. By seeking to understand and embrace our purpose, we align ourselves with God's will and reflect the masterpiece He has created us to be. Living out our purpose involves actively pursuing the good works God has prepared for us, knowing that our lives have a meaningful impact. [02:26]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What steps can you take to better understand and live out your God-given purpose? Identify one area of your life where you can begin to align more closely with God's plan today.
Quotes
"We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works in other words we're made for purpose to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do now this verse is filled with some important truth so let's look at it first it says we're God's workmanship Circle that word the word there in the Bible in the Greek is the word poema it's the word we get poem from you are God's poem you are God's work of art you are God's craftsmanship workmanship many translations of the Bible translate this you are God's Masterpiece." [00:01:52]
"You say well I don't think I'm much of a masterpiece well then you don't realize how much value God has put in your life you say well I'm not a master I'm pretty beat up piece of junk you're not junk Jesus didn't die for junk if you look at Jesus on the cross arms outstretched and his nail pierced hands and he's saying this is how valuable you are this is how valuable I'm you're valuable enough to die for you're not junk because God doesn't create junk Jesus doesn't die for junk and the Holy Spirit doesn't live in junk you are a masterpiece you're God's Masterpiece." [00:45:28]
"But it only shows when you fulfill your calling if you try to be what somebody else wants you to be you're going to miss it and your true beauty your true greatness won't come out you are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works those good works are your contribution to the world you were not put on this planet just to breathe and take up space and die you weren't put here to Simply Be a consumer oh there's a new kind of makeup I think I'll get that oh there's a new clothing I'll get that no you were put here to be a contributor to make a contribution with your life." [00:82:72]
"And the Bible calls your life contribution your good works it's part of your calling now here's the cool thing we all have different good works your contribution your good works are going to be different than my contribution my good works and my contribution good works are going to be different than the person sitting next to you and God makes us all different gives us all different callings so that everything in the world gets done." [00:125:32]
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