In what ways can you align your life with God's purpose in Ephesians 3:11? Scripture Snapshot “according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11) Grasp God’s “Eternal Purpose” • Planned “before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9) • Centered “in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11) • Brings all things together “in Christ—things in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:10) • Displays God’s “manifold wisdom…to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10) Understanding this gives direction: God is working everything through and for His Son. Ways to Align Your Life 1. Receive and Rest in Christ • Believe the gospel (Ephesians 1:13) • Enjoy the “boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Ephesians 3:12) • Reject self-reliance; rely on His finished work (Titus 3:5) 2. Pursue Holiness That Reflects Christ • “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1) • Put off the old self; put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24) • Let motives, speech, and conduct mirror His character (1 Peter 1:15-16) 3. Participate in God’s Family, the Church • God’s purpose unfolds “through the church” (Ephesians 3:10) • Use your gifts for “the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12) • Guard unity; cultivate love (John 13:35; Ephesians 4:3) 4. Proclaim the Gospel • Paul saw himself as steward of “the boundless riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8) • Share those riches—verbally and visibly (Romans 10:14-15) • Live a life that “makes the teaching… attractive” (Titus 2:10) 5. Practice Dependence Through Prayer • Paul bowed his knees “for this reason” (Ephesians 3:14-19) • Prayer keeps your heart aligned with heaven’s agenda (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Expect God “to do immeasurably more” (Ephesians 3:20) 6. Embrace Suffering with Perspective • Paul’s chains served the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14) • Trials refine faith and advance God’s purpose (James 1:2-4) • Remember Romans 8:28-29—conformity to Christ is the end goal Living It Out Daily • Start the day acknowledging Christ’s lordship (Colossians 3:17) • Filter decisions through Scripture (Psalm 119:105) • Schedule time with believers for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Speak of Christ naturally in conversation (1 Peter 3:15) • Review your week: Did my choices showcase His wisdom? Cautions and Encouragements • Beware distraction: even good things can eclipse Christ (Luke 10:40-42) • Stand firm: spiritual opposition is real (Ephesians 6:10-18) • Take heart: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6) Aligning with God’s purpose isn’t a side project; it’s life in Christ, for Christ, and through Christ—today and forever. |
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