Peter Tan-chi Date: September 21, 2008The Big Picture. Paul's letter to the Ephesians gives us a Big Picture of what the Christian life is all about. Why do we need this? Just like when playing with a jigsaw puzzle made of 1000 pieces, we need perspective in order to complete it. So now, let us look at the big picture on the 'incredibles' of the Christian life.
Incredible Destiny. Each of us has an incredible destiny because we have an incredible God who has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing… just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3-6).
Our incredible God wants to bless us. He chose us before the creation of the world. For what purpose? That we should be holy and blameless. If your father is a king, what are you? Of course, you are a prince/princess! We have been adopted by God because we are special.
In Roman law, the concept of “adoption” is shown by a ritual wherein the adoptive father will speak to the natural father to get the adopted son. The natural father will then place copper coins in a weighing scale to get his son back. This ritual continues until the third time when the natural father stops giving coins, which is like saying, “The child is yours.” All of the past debts and obligations of the old family can no longer be traced back to the son. Everything is new.
Note, however, that our destiny does not stop at being part of the family. We must go on to give glory to Jesus (Ephesians 1:6).
Knowing the Big Picture helps us to understand all the things that are happening our lives: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:28-29).
Despite our wrong decisions, God is still in control. He desires to transform our character so that we will be conformed to His Son. Once we see the Big Picture, we can endure no matter what circumstance we are placed in. And our character would slowly but surely transform.
Incredible Assurance. If you ask, “Lord why did you choose me?” God's answer would be “Because I love you, period”. Notice that God chooses the weak things of the world: “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1Corinthians 1:27-28). God is saying, “I chose you in spite of who you are. And that's why you can have incredible assurance because it has nothing to do with your qualifications.”
1 Corinthians 1:29-30 says, “…But by His doing you are in Christ…” It is God's doing, that's why you can be sure. Now, what are you depending on to get to heaven? Christ or yourself? We must realize that life transformation should spring from this very assurance.
Paul mentions two qualities evident in every believer: faith and love (Ephesians 1:15-16). In this world, it doesn't matter how much money you have. Security comes in Christ, which is why Paul is saying we have this incredible certainty.
You may think: if God is sovereign, my destiny is predestined and I can do nothing. But we have to understand what the Bible says about human responsibility and divine sovereignty. There is no conflict. Look at the life of Joseph. He was sold as a slave by his brothers, yet in the end he realized, "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). Is God in control? Yes. But are you responsible for your behavior? Definitely.
Incredible Prayer. This is an incredible prayer: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe…” (Ephesians 1:18-20).
Did you know that head knowledge is never enough to transform lives? It should reach the heart. We need to pray for people. Paul prayed that the eyes of our heart be opened.
Paul points to Jesus. Jesus died and rose again. The ultimate power of God is manifested in the resurrection of Christ. Now friend, are you excited about the Lord? If not, you need to pray this prayer. “Lord, open my eyes.”
Have you made a personal decision? Have you come to Christ? "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). You have a responsibility. You've got to make a choice. You will never understand this until you make the first move. And, when you make the first move you will realize that God has been making all the moves in your life.
Incredible Destiny, Assurance, and Prayer (DAP) the “Incredibles” we all need to complete the jigsaw puzzle of the Christian life. Live in victory today!
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