Empowered for His Purpose
(Ephesians 1:9-11; 2:10)
(Ephesians 1:9-11; 2:10)
Ephesians 1:9–10 (NLT)
9God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.
10And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.
MAN MAY PLAN, BUT GOD’S PURPOSE GOVERNS THE OUTCOME
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
21Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
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Romans 8:28 (ESV)
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
YOU WERE CALLED BEFORE YOU WERE CONVERTED
2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)
9who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
Ephesians 1:11 (ESV)
11In 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,
Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
“You have been chosen, having been predestined.” – Pastor Billy R. Johnson.
God has already decided what your outcome will be according to the determined intention of His purpose. There is a strategic step by step plan that God is carrying out, and we are each a part of it. We are chosen, as God is executing His will.
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Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
We have unique giftings and skill sets. We have been created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of good works. The more we give of ourselves to Christ the more our purpose is revealed and our purpose unlocked. We have been prepared for beneficial, useful and God honoring works.
We are:
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1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
11 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.
In conclusion, you are empowered for God’s purpose. He has called you, chosen you, created you and authorized you. The only question left is not “Can you?” but “Will you?”

Pastor Kenneth Bryant