Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose

Read Ephesians 1:12-14

Have you ever written a “purpose statement” for your life? Many businesses and organizations start with a purpose statement to set intentions and expectations for their goals. God’s purpose for us, then, is that we will bring him glory. God intends for us to be included because we have heard and accepted the Good News.

God’s purpose for Himself is to save us and give us the Holy Spirit. That is definitely Good News! Jesus was sent on that rescue mission so we would be saved from our sins. We were never abandoned because Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit so we would be empowered and set free.

As believers, we are the recipients of God’s grace and mercy, all part of his grand purpose. He does all of this for us, even in the messiness of our lives. Don’t you love what Romans 5:8 says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” God’s purpose doesn’t wait for us to get it right. We don’t need to be perfect to accept God’s love and grace.

The Holy Spirit is not only our protector and guide, but our “guarantee” of God’s promises. I’m not sure I had thought about the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life like that, but that word really stood out. I want to welcome and fully embrace the Spirit that lives inside me. Not only does the Spirit empower me to do God’s will, but the Spirit assures me of my inheritance of salvation.

Why would God be so kind and merciful to us? Paul tells us, “He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” That goes back to our purpose of bringing glory to God. Are you living your life in a manner that glorifies the LORD? What more can you do?

This first chapter of Ephesians has given us a lot to think about between our praise, God’s plan, and now the purposes of God and man. How do you respond to such profound love and grace?

I was introduced to one of Phil Wickham’s latest releases, called “Song of the Saints.” Being moved to tears by these lyrics, I just had to share this with you. It’s such a prayer honoring God. The Good News is there, belief statements and lots of heartfelt praise. I hope you are blessed by this during your quiet time. Help it to get your praise on so you can live your purpose of bringing glory to God.

Let’s pray. Father, I stand amazed at your majesty. You so powerfully have accomplished your purposes. I thank you for the Good News that I proclaim from my lips. You are my Savior, my King, and the leader of my life. I pray for the strength and direction to fulfill the purpose you have given me. May my life of praise bring glory to you in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.