Ephesians– overview of 3:2-13; The Mystery revealed and the purpose of God accomplished, part 2.

Tuesday December 3, 2019

God’s purpose for the world was centered on mankind. Earth and the universe, the creation recorded for us in Gen 1-2, was only the stage for mankind. This is further seen beyond a doubt in that God became a man.

But what was God’s purpose for mankind? God is very clear about this.

God’s purpose in everything, all history of the universe, was to make man of a certain type – the image of God.

The Son of God comes into the world and reveals God, but in so doing, He also reveals what man is to be. He dies in order to give anyone who will put their faith in Him that very life.

What is the type of man that God has purposed? He is eternal, righteous, holy, blameless, just, wise, understanding, insanely rich spiritually, powerful, disciplined, filled with hope, confident, forgiven, filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control; who doesn’t judge others, forgives, is exceedingly gracious, virtuous, always growing, akin to God in everything, obedient to God in everything, in love with God forever, walking by the Holy Spirit.

I’m sure I could add more, but in a fast description, that is the purpose of God for all history – to make such men, and it is no coincidence that Jesus was just that type of man. He gave us His life.

Don’t be a hypocrite and fake the Christ-life. Be real and get to work on the inner man.

A believer can come to know that this life is what he is expected to live, and settle for making his own life a veneer of it. He may be a hypocrite, talking as if he does live it, or projecting it, but not actually living it within. God gave each of us a clay pot, and God put His treasure within it. We must not spend time shining the pot. We break the pot so that the light can shine forth. The life of man that is the purpose of God, the life of Christ, is heavenly, and all believers have been given more than enough power and resources to live it.

1Ti 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

A “sincere faith” is a life without hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is the tip of the iceberg. You can’t see my heart or my conscience, but you can see my lifestyle. The Lord told the Pharisees that they were white-washed tombs. Rotten eggs with gleaming white shells will not make a good omelet.

Are you a pot painter? Give it up. Join the many who are discovering that God is not at war with their humanity. Have a pure conscience despite whatever flaws you are currently battling, acknowledging them openly before God, seeking the help of the One who is for you and not against you.

2Ti 1:9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

2Ti 1:10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,