God’s Purpose: In and Through Us
But you are a ‘chosen race; a royal priesthood’; a holy nation; a people for God’s possession. Your purpose is to announce the virtuous deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. 1 Peter 2:9 (BFE)
The challenge of identifying God’s purpose for us is daunting. Also, how does the presence and power of God amplify and clarify our purpose? The beginning of the Westminster Shorter Catechism states that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” This is an excellent place to start, but what does it mean for us as we seek to find God’s plan for our lives?
Before we can possibly understand God’s purpose for our lives, we must know who we are in Christ. People who struggle with their identity will be hard-pressed to discover their purpose. We are precious to God, but far too many Christ followers failed to grab hold of this truth. Peter uses words like “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s possession.” That is just a sample of how much God treasures us.
Paul said, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT). Who we are leads us to what we should do.
Upon self-examination, we often fail to recognize what Christ sees in us. We are painfully aware of our failures and shortcomings, but God sees us as we are in Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV).
In Christ
The phrase “in Christ” occurs 87 times in the NIV. Before we can understand our purpose “in Christ,” God must convince us that we are, indeed, “in Christ.” Without this foundation, we will be limited in understanding and recognizing God’s purposes for us.
As much as we may desire to do things for Christ, we can do nothing unless we are in Christ. We only produce and serve our purpose when grafted into the Vine. Jesus said this: “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” John 15:5 (MSG)
How often do we see something that needs to be done and think to ourselves, “I’ve got this?” When we fail, we convince ourselves that everything is okay because “at least we tried.” We give ourselves, or others, an “A” for effort, but we achieve very little.
Paul pointed to the Corinthians, telling them they were the evidence of his faithful ministry. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)
But even then, Paul recognizes his source. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NLT). When we learn of Christ’s purpose for us, we must remember that our success comes from abiding in Christ.
Ever Increasing Faith
Most of us have experienced feedback loops, even if we did not know them by name. An extreme example occurs when a microphone is held too close to the speaker. The result is an ear-piercing, annoying sound. Notwithstanding, feedback loops are instrumental. Companies are constantly seeking feedback to improve their products and customer support.
We have been exploring God’s presence and power as they relate to God’s purposes in and through us. Smith Wigglesworth, a man of strength and faith during the last century, authored “Ever Increasing Faith.” It is well worth your time if you have never read it or other books by him. Wigglesworth said, “There is nothing that our God cannot do. He will do everything if you will dare to believe.”
Properly understood, the presence of God, the power of God, and the purposes of God operate in a feedback loop that gains in strength and effectiveness. As we truly worship God, we begin to experience his presence. Our faith increases, and the power of God is released, resulting in God’s purposes being accomplished in and through us.
But as we see the fulfillment of God’s purposes, it creates a desire for more of his presence and power, once again resulting in more extraordinary manifestations as we see his purposes exhibited in our lives and ministries. This kind of feedback loop will give the devil and the world a headache, but to us who believe, it is a joyous sound.
It’s All about Jesus
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)
As the thought of his presence, power, and purpose stirs within us, an excitement builds within us that is ever increasing, but all of that can be easily derailed if we seek any of the glory for ourselves. There is no reason that revival cannot be perpetual except when man tries to take credit for what God has done. “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else…” Isaiah 42:8 (NLT).
We must never forget that it is all about Jesus and his glory and purposes. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV). As we seek his presence, we will see more of his power; as a result, his purposes will be accomplished in us and through us.
Steve Ekeroth
Well said. Our identity in Christ means everything when it comes to walking through this world. And it is becoming more essential to know and walk in that identity as culture wars increase in America. 1 Peter 2 has always been one of my favorite chapters to preach and teach from. Ever Increasing Faith is a book a devoured spiritually in my college days and I recommend it now as well.