140112 AM GOD-SHAPED in 2014 What Does It Mean to be Father-Defined
| GOD-SHAPED in 2014 What Does It Mean to be Father-Defined? A. Ephesians 1:1-14 – the opening of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. B. Notice some of those key words: chose, predestined, purpose, will, wisdom, insight, plan, counsel,sealed, promised, guarantee. C. “Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God” (Heb 3:4). I. What Does It Mean to be Father-Defined? A. Define can be used in a variety of different ways: 1. To state or set forth the _______ of. 2. To explain or identify the ______ or essential qualities of. 3. To determine or fix the ______ or extent of. B. “There is an ultimate definer and I’m not him.” 1. Job recognized it – Job 12: 7-1O. 2. David built his life on it-Psalm 139:13-16. 3. Paul boldly proclaimed it – Acts 17:22-29. C. He wasn’t ___ for us; we were ____ for him -Isa 45:18; 46:3-4; 43:6-7. D. Which is why Isaiah confesses what he does -Isa 64:8. II. THE QUESTION: “Am I Allowing Him to be the Ultimate Definer?” A. Of objective ______- truth, righteousness, law, wisdom, justice, goodness, worthiness. B. Of my _______ – origin, inherent significance, meaning, purpose, future. C. Of my life _____ – the nature of manhood and womanhood, marriage, parenthood, childhood. D. Of my _______ responsibilities – time, money, resources, possessions. E. Of my ______ – to share the gospel, to serve others, to encourage, to discipline. F. Of my individual __________ – to be holy, to be steadfast, to abound in good works, to worship. Conclusion: A. The ultimate aim of it all? “The praise of his glory” (Eph 1:14). B. What better perspective than Psalm 138:8? God is willing to do his part. What about you? |