September 4, 2022
GOD’S PLAN FOR US
September 04, 2022
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Often, the plans, hopes, or dreams we had when we were young do not come true—in fact, they may seem weird once we are grown! Do you recall what life you hoped for?
Do you ever wish you had known as a young person what plans and purposes God had for your life—before you made wrong choices that you now wish you could have changed? After the apostle Paul was converted by meeting Jesus on the Damascus Road, he isolated himself for several years, without a doubt studying the written word of God to find prophecies that he now knew were fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ and trying to understand God’s plan for his future. His life after conversion was spent with one aim: to represent the Lord to any and all people he met. Paul later wrote many letters in the New Testament as guides for us since we, too, have the privilege of sharing the Gospel with the world.
Focal Passage: Ephesians 3:6-11.
The Gospel for all
· Read Eph. 3:6. Prior to Jesus Christ’s coming, which was the only nation that had been ‘adopted’ by God to be His chosen people? How can we even attempt to understand the exclusivity of the people of Israel? Who were their enemies? When were other nations allowed salvation?
· Read Eph. 1:9-12 and John 3:16. From the very beginning, what had God’s plan been? Who has been loved by God from the foundation of the world? Read Romans 1:16. What had Paul learned of the grace of Jesus Christ?
· In verse 6, what are the rewards of those who are saved? Who is your worst enemy (don’t share)? If your worst enemy got saved, could you love them?
The job of all
· Read Eph. 3:7. The Greek word for serve (or minister) in this verse has a word picture of one who runs errands for someone else. How did Paul view his responsibility to share the good news? Are there any responsibilities in your life that you consider it a privilege to carry out? Can you share? Is this how you view the jobs you do for Jesus?
· Read Matt. 28:18-20. Who is Jesus talking to? Did He realize people two thousand years in the future would be reading what He said? What, then, is our responsibility? Read Matt. 5:13-14. When Jesus compares us to salt and light, what responsibility was He giving us in the world?
· If you do not verbally share your faith in Jesus Christ, what are you doing that you feel absolves you of the responsibility?
The challenge for all
· Read verses 8-9. Why did Paul see himself as someone who did not deserve God’s grace? Are there things in your past that cause you to feel unworthy?
· Read Rom. 7:18-25. What was Paul’s challenge while he still lived in a body of flesh? Do you have this struggle? What challenges do you face daily? Almost everyone understands Paul’s statements in Romans; how can you be victorious over the flesh? What did he glory in?
· What do you think you are placed in this time and place for? If your job is to represent Jesus Christ to those whom you meet, what will they think of Him?
The purpose of all
· Read verses 10-11. What has been God’s purpose for the church throughout history? Has the church’s purpose changed since God ordained it?
· What would happen if you began your day praying that you would be a good representation of Jesus Christ to those you meet? What are situations during the work day that you need to pray for extra strength and courage?
· As you go forward with your life, can you pray for boldness and wisdom to share why you believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ? If you carry through doing so, how will it affect your family? Will they be affected by your faithfulness?
Close:
Is there someone in the Bible, either Old or New Testament, with whom you identify? Perhaps it was David, and you truly want to be a person after God’s own heart. David was a great leader, but he did fall and disappoint God, yet when confronted by someone in authority about his sin, he immediately repented, turned a 180*, and began again. Proverbs 24:16 says, “A righteous man may fall seven times, but he rises again.”
Perhaps you identify with Gideon. He felt very dejected, wondering if God had given up on His people in a time of evil. Jesus, in a Pre-incarnate appearance, addressed him as “You mighty man of valor!” Gideon went on to become a judge of Israel.
It doesn’t matter your past, your failings, your insecurities—you have a big God who can do all things through anyone who is wholly committed to Him. Are you shy? Pray for boldness! Are you full of fear for the future? Isaiah 8 is a great chapter to read at this time in history: you will see God knows exactly where we are today, yet we are not to fear evil people—only fear Him, because He has the power to cast people into Hell! We are all called to represent Jesus Christ in our sphere of influence. Someday we will stand before God, and if you’re saved, you deeply desire that there will be souls standing around the room with you, testifying that your life was instrumental in helping them to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Can there be anything more important? “He who wins souls is wise,” Proverbs 11:30 says. None of us has an excuse. Bedridden? You can pray for so many people it will fill your day. Do you have just a little money? Invest in an 800- number and take calls from people who want to find out how to get saved! Do you have a lot of money? Find organizations whom you trust who minister to lost souls and give, give, give. The best days you will ever have will be those during which you have shared the wonderful riches of the Savior’s grace.