Living out your destiny

Topics: destiny, Christ

I. Your destiniy is anchored in Christ

* Your purpose is found and anchored in Jesus Christ alone!

1. Our union with Christ is the key to victorious living! "In Christ" or "In Him" or similar is used 164 times in Paul's 13 letters and 12 times in Ephesians 1:1-14
2. In Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all (Col. 2:10).

II. Your destiny as a Faithful Steward

* Your OIKONOMIA is being God's loyal household manager!

1. He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth (Ephesians 1:9b-10).
2. Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy (1 Corinthians 4:1, 2).

III. Your destiny of an Eternal Inheritance

* Your inheritance is the culmination of every spiritual blessing!

1. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:10 b 11).
2. [God] has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3 5).

IV. Your destiny is to the Praise of His Glory

* Your hope in Christ should erupt into glorious praise eternally!

1. To the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:12).
2. The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26, 27).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, May 18th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Living out your destiny

An important Guideline of Life Groups: The name "Life Group" reinforces the need to deal with life's challenges by keeping an eternal perspective. How can you encourage one another to live out their God-given destiny for His glory?

Getting Started:

1. How is your life anchored "in Christ" on a daily basis (Hebrews 6:19, 20)? How should our unity "in Christ" be reflected in our church community's common unity?
2. What does "living out your destiny" look like to you (Ephesians 2:10)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Since OIKONOMIA means "household manager" how does God's eternal plan include us (His spiritual family) in summing up of all things in Christ (1:10)?
2. Why is it imperative that we present Jesus as the ONLY WAY of salvation and not as "an option" (John 14:6)?
3. Human history is moving toward the goal of Christ Jesus being established as King over all creation. How are you investing in the eternal with your God-given time, talents, and treasures? Are you a faithful steward (1 Corinthians 4:1, 2; Matthew 24:44-46)?
4. When you don't know "the why" of your trials, make sure you rest upon the true character of God. How can you help others trust Him and not blame God for the evils in this world?
5. How can your "hope in Christ" (Eph. 1:12; 1 Cor. 15:19) produce supernatural peace and contentment even in the midst of grief, heartaches, and challenges of life?
6. What does Romans 8:28-32 reveal about God's eternal purpose for your life?

Now What? Application:

1. You are not just a consumer of God's grace; you are a carrier of His grace! Who is in your OIKOS that you need to be in fervent prayer and take the initiative to reach out to in love?
2. Praise the Lord every day for His grace and the eternal inheritance that He has for you!