Out in the Open

Ephesians 1:9-14 ⁹ God revealed his hidden design to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. ¹⁰ This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. ¹¹ We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. ¹² We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. ¹³ You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory. 

So check this out, God’s message is not hidden to us. Many people can go through life trying to “figure out” God and what God wants us to do in this life. So many people get caught up in this that it is easy to miss out on life and see all that God has revealed through creation and through the working of the Spirit within each person all around us.

Not only did God reveal everything to us through Jesus Christ, but we are reminded that each of us was thought of before time began. God has chosen to be in relationship with us even before anyone even dreamed of us. We were thought of by the Creator of the universe and thus each have a purpose to fulfill. We may begin to ask the question, “what does God want to accomplish in my life?”

Asking a question like this helps us realize that God can and does use us; but this questions can also cause us to think that we are not good enough for God to use. So, Paul goes on an explains more about the gospel (good news) message of Jesus Christ. We get to read more about this message as Ephesians goes on. Part of the message is that we get to bring honor to God because God accomplishes much in our lives. Yes, we have been given gifts but it is necessary to thank the One who gave those gifts and talents whenever we have the opportunity to use them and use them well.

There is a spiritual inheritance promised by God and we have received the down payment, the Holy Spirit. This is to remind us we are not alone. Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit being a comforter, the Holy Spirit speaks through us, the Holy Spirit gives power. Paul explains the Spirit prays for us, the Spirit gives gifts, etc. The Holy Spirit is an incredible gift we have because it means the Living God is inside us and is working in us and through us. It is God who is accomplishing the works through us because of the Spirit.

How will you live differently knowing the Holy Spirit of God is in you? Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord? Trusting and hoping in Christ is the first part of willingly unleashing the power of the Spirit within us. God has much to do in us and through us. All this have been thought of since before time began. We choose to live for ourselves or God. His message is out in the open, ready for ALL people. Do you believe?

#TheGospelChangesUs