Eternally Purposed: Living for Christ's Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focuses on the theme of being eternally purposed, as drawn from Ephesians 3:3-13. To be eternally purposed means to live as a Christian, fully committed to Christ and His mission. Paul exemplifies this through his humility and dedication to spreading the gospel, despite his past as a persecutor of Christians. He views himself as the least of all saints, yet he is empowered by God's grace to preach the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. This humility and recognition of God's grace are crucial for us as well.
Paul's mission was to preach the gospel and glorify God, a mission that should resonate with us today. He emphasizes that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, who died for our sins and was resurrected. This message is not just for the Jews but for all people, including the Gentiles. Paul urges us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the things of Christ rather than the temporary concerns of this world. This eternal focus should drive us to share the gospel, make disciples, and live in a way that glorifies God.
Paul also highlights the importance of humility in ministry. He acknowledges his past sins and views himself as unworthy, yet he is driven by the grace of God to fulfill his mission. This humility should be a model for us, reminding us that any good in us is because of Christ. We are called to illuminate the truth of God, bringing light to those who are spiritually blind. This involves teaching the Word of God, not just through our words but through our lives.
Living with an eternal purpose means being willing to endure hardships and afflictions for the sake of the gospel. Paul encourages us not to lose heart in the face of tribulations, as these are opportunities to glorify God. Our afflictions are part of God's grand plan, and they serve to mature our faith. We are to live as part of God's eternal plan, laboring for His purposes and not our own. This involves personal evangelism, discipleship, and worship, all aimed at glorifying God and spreading His gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility in Christ: Paul’s humility is a powerful example for us. He viewed himself as the least of all saints, recognizing that any good in him was due to Christ. This humility is essential for effective ministry and helps us to focus on glorifying God rather than ourselves. [01:27]
2. The Power of the Gospel: The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Paul’s mission was to preach this gospel to the Gentiles, emphasizing that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. This message is timeless and should drive us to share the gospel with everyone we encounter. [05:26]
3. Living with an Eternal Perspective: To be eternally purposed means to focus on the things of Christ rather than the temporary concerns of this world. This eternal focus should drive us to share the gospel, make disciples, and live in a way that glorifies God. [09:42]
4. Enduring Hardships for the Gospel: Paul encourages us not to lose heart in the face of tribulations, as these are opportunities to glorify God. Our afflictions are part of God’s grand plan, and they serve to mature our faith. We are to live as part of God’s eternal plan, laboring for His purposes and not our own. [46:05]
5. The Role of the Church: The church is God’s primary vehicle for spreading the gospel and making disciples. We are called to be part of this mission, using our gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ. This involves personal evangelism, discipleship, and worship, all aimed at glorifying God and spreading His gospel. [01:00:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Humility in Christ
[02:49] - Paul's View of Himself
[03:41] - The Grace of God
[05:26] - The Power of the Gospel
[06:26] - The Need for a Savior
[08:08] - The Only Way to Heaven
[09:42] - Living with an Eternal Perspective
[11:18] - Obedience to the Great Commission
[12:53] - The Riches of Christ
[14:27] - Our Inheritance in Christ
[15:54] - The Power of God in Us
[17:22] - Illuminating the Truth
[18:38] - The Mystery of God's Will
[19:59] - The Role of the Church
[21:24] - God as Creator
[23:12] - The God Who Made the World
[24:42] - Living with Purpose
[26:19] - The Urgency of the Gospel
[28:02] - Indoctrinating Our Children
[29:37] - Living Timelessly
[31:24] - Taste and See that the Lord is Good
[32:58] - The Cost of Being Eternally Purposed
[34:19] - The Manifold Wisdom of God
[35:53] - Informing Authorities
[37:10] - God's Eternal Plan
[38:34] - Holy Living in an Unholy World
[40:06] - The Discipline of the Mind
[41:26] - Setting Your Face Like Flint
[42:52] - Paul's Passion for the Gospel
[44:22] - Bold and Confident Access to God
[46:05] - Viewing Hardships as Glory
[47:36] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[49:13] - Encouraging One Another
[50:50] - The American Worldview vs. the Gospel
[52:18] - Fellowship with Christ in Suffering
[53:46] - The Man of Sorrows
[55:24] - God's Grand Plan
[57:01] - Expressing Self-Abasement
[58:36] - Humbling Ourselves Before God
[01:00:26] - The Role of the Church
[01:01:50] - Preaching and Worship
[01:03:17] - Personal Evangelism and Discipleship
[01:05:10] - Laboring for Eternal Purposes
[01:06:43] - The Invitation to Salvation
[01:08:06] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Being Eternally Purposed
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 3:3-13
- 1 Corinthians 15:9
- Colossians 1:16
#### Observation Questions
1. How does Paul describe his own status among the saints in Ephesians 3:8? What does this reveal about his character? [01:27]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 15:9, why does Paul consider himself unworthy to be called an apostle? [02:49]
3. What is the significance of Jesus being the only way to the Father as stated in John 14:6? [05:26]
4. How does Paul view his hardships and tribulations in relation to his mission? [46:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is humility essential for effective ministry, according to Paul's example in Ephesians 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:9? [01:27]
2. How does Paul's mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles reflect the inclusivity of the Christian message? [05:26]
3. What does it mean to live with an eternal perspective, and how does this affect our daily lives and priorities? [09:42]
4. How can enduring hardships for the sake of the gospel mature our faith and bring glory to God? [46:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Paul’s humility is a powerful example for us. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride. How can you cultivate humility in your daily interactions? [01:27]
2. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What steps can you take this week to share it with them? [05:26]
3. Living with an eternal perspective means focusing on Christ rather than temporary concerns. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Christ? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [09:42]
4. Paul encourages us not to lose heart in the face of tribulations. Think of a recent hardship you faced. How can you view this hardship as an opportunity to glorify God? [46:05]
5. The church is God’s primary vehicle for spreading the gospel. How are you currently using your gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ? What new ways can you get involved in your church’s mission? [01:00:26]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate in your faith journey. How can you rely on God’s grace to empower you, just as Paul did? [02:49]
7. Paul’s passion for the gospel drove him to endure many hardships. What is one specific way you can demonstrate a similar passion in your own life, even if it means facing challenges? [42:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humility in Christ
Paul’s humility is a powerful example for us. He viewed himself as the least of all saints, recognizing that any good in him was due to Christ. This humility is essential for effective ministry and helps us to focus on glorifying God rather than ourselves. Paul’s past as a persecutor of Christians did not hinder him from becoming a devoted apostle; instead, it highlighted the transformative power of God’s grace. By acknowledging his unworthiness, Paul was able to fully rely on God’s strength and grace to fulfill his mission. This humility should be a model for us, reminding us that any good in us is because of Christ. We are called to illuminate the truth of God, bringing light to those who are spiritually blind. This involves teaching the Word of God, not just through our words but through our lives. [01:27]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt prideful or self-sufficient. How can you practice humility in that area today, acknowledging that any good in you is because of Christ?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Paul’s mission was to preach this gospel to the Gentiles, emphasizing that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. This message is timeless and should drive us to share the gospel with everyone we encounter. The gospel’s power lies in its ability to transform lives, bringing people from darkness into light. Paul’s life is a testament to this transformative power, as he went from being a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential apostles. This same power is available to us today, and we are called to share it with others, trusting that God will work through us to bring about transformation. [05:26]
Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you share the message of Jesus Christ with them this week, trusting in the power of the gospel to transform their life?
Day 3: Living with an Eternal Perspective
To be eternally purposed means to focus on the things of Christ rather than the temporary concerns of this world. This eternal focus should drive us to share the gospel, make disciples, and live in a way that glorifies God. Paul urges us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the things of Christ rather than the temporary concerns of this world. This eternal focus should drive us to share the gospel, make disciples, and live in a way that glorifies God. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can navigate the challenges and distractions of this world with a clear sense of purpose and direction. [09:42]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What are some temporary concerns that have been distracting you from your eternal purpose? How can you refocus your mind on the things of Christ today?
Day 4: Enduring Hardships for the Gospel
Paul encourages us not to lose heart in the face of tribulations, as these are opportunities to glorify God. Our afflictions are part of God’s grand plan, and they serve to mature our faith. We are to live as part of God’s eternal plan, laboring for His purposes and not our own. Living with an eternal purpose means being willing to endure hardships and afflictions for the sake of the gospel. Paul’s life was marked by numerous trials and tribulations, yet he remained steadfast in his mission. He saw his sufferings as opportunities to glorify God and to grow in faith. We too are called to view our hardships through the lens of eternity, trusting that God is using them to shape us and to further His kingdom. [46:05]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Think of a current hardship you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity to glorify God and grow in your faith?
Day 5: The Role of the Church in God’s Mission
The church is God’s primary vehicle for spreading the gospel and making disciples. We are called to be part of this mission, using our gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ. This involves personal evangelism, discipleship, and worship, all aimed at glorifying God and spreading His gospel. The church is not just a building or a weekly gathering; it is a community of believers united in Christ and committed to His mission. Each member has a unique role to play in this mission, and together we can accomplish far more than we could individually. By actively participating in the life of the church, we can grow in our faith, support one another, and reach out to the world with the love of Christ. [01:00:26]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve and build up the body of Christ in your local church?
Quotes
1. "To be eternally purposed is just simply to be a Christian, to live out loud. To be of God is to be one whom is in Christ. And obviously, as an eternal being, we would be focused more on Christ and who He is and His purposes than our own." [00:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We're really not capable of a whole lot of anything. There's nothing really good inside of us. In fact, that's the lie from the pit of the hill to think that you actually are good apart from Christ. There's nothing good about us. It's only Christ in us. It's the hope of glory." [02:49] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel then is for you to repent of your sin, to turn away from your sin, to acknowledge that your sin was against a holy God. And only by God's plan of salvation to send his son to die in your place can you be saved. And so, if you have not been saved, I beg you to repent and believe the gospel. God will give you a new heart, new motives. He'll change your life and he'll give you eternal life in heaven." [07:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you believe that the gospel will change someone's life? Well, by default, I'm going to say to you, you don't believe it if you're not going. Hear my broken heart in this. You don't really believe the gospel will save unless you... You are sharing the gospel. Unless you truly go and tell someone how to be saved, your feet don't match what you think." [10:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "To be eternally purposed is to not worry about the shallow, simple things of this world. Take care of business. Do what you gotta do to be responsible. And then go and be eternally purposed. Be on a mission, a co-mission with Christ to go and to seek and to save the lost. To preach the gospel, to teach all that you can." [11:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You cannot comprehend how deep and wide and wonderful the grace of God is. It's far more than is what's needed to save a heathen. It's far greater than what is needed to save. God is so rich that he can't put a number on it. You can't put a number on it. You can't put a number on it. You can't pay for all of the sins of the whole world with just one act, one act, and it's done. Past, present, future, redemption, done." [12:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want you to live timelessly. I want you to believe and think eternally. I want you to think outside of the bounds of time. I want you to think eternally because that's what really matters. We don't know when we're going to be in eternity. God set that date, but don't let that stop us. We're going to live timelessly." [29:37] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "What an honor for us to have had God outside of time to come and to save us. What an honor to have an eternal being, so holy and so pure, willing to come in and to pay for a wretch like me. What an honor to have had God who is so wonderful, so pure. beautiful, so rich in and of himself and all of his worth and all of his attributes to allow me to come into his presence." [31:24] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you get into this, realm, then all of a sudden being eternally purposed changes everything. Changes why you do what you do, how you do what you do, the conversations that you have to be eternally purposed. It's to be, it's to be driven by the gospel. It's to be driven by reaching people for Christ. It'd be driven by preaching and teaching and communicating Christ." [32:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Humility is a necessity for ministry. Humility is a necessity of ministry. In verse 9, it says, And to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery, which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things. In Ephesians chapter 3, verse 9, as we continue through our text today, To be ones who bring to light, illuminate the truth of God." [15:54] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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