Eternal Purpose
Ephesians 3:11-13
Ephesians 3:11-13
This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
CENTRAL TRUTH
Our eternal purpose is realized through Christ.
REFLECTIONS
In order to understand Paul’s perspective and ultimately his purpose in this passage, we need to back out of the letter and head over to the book of Acts. At one point in his missionary journey, Paul boldly decides to visit Jerusalem in order to preach to followers near the temple. His message, of course, is unwelcome among the Jewish crowd who did not like the redemptive concept of the Messiah being extended to the Jews. A riot ensues in which Paul used his legal rights of Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar. So, it is in prison while awaiting his trial, that Paul writes the letter to Ephesus and asks that they “not lose heart over what he is suffering for them”.
I’ve always been drawn to the story of Paul because the aspect of redemption resonates with all believers, regardless of our diverse backgrounds. We all start life out as sinners, prone to error, and full of self-reliance. Yet, our encounters with Christ, leaves us with the distinct impression that God has more for us than our current circumstances dictate. Paul, in a prison cell, writes to fellow believers about the “eternal purpose he has realized in Christ Jesus our lord.” At no point in writing that letter did Paul think that you and I would be reading it 2,000 years down the road! It was his passionate pursuit of Christ that allowed Paul to focus on encouraging other believers in the midst of incarceration.
All too often, we lose sight of that same eternal purpose due to temporary set-backs or low-hanging fruit. A seemingly small stack of unpaid bills becomes an impenetrable wall that blinds us to the provision of God. Or we call the easy way out a “blessing from God” because we don’t want to face the challenge that might ensue. Yet, the reality of a relationship with Christ is that we face the bills & broken relationships head on, because our eternal purpose is so much bigger than the temporary off set!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Are there temporary things in your life that feel like an obstacle? What would putting those up against your eternal purpose in Christ do for you?
- Does the fact that Paul’s prison letter is still being read today give you insight into the eternal repercussions of your walk with Christ?
Note: This is part of a devotional series that I had the privilege of helping write with my local church. To catch the entire series on Ephesians, check out the Crestview Connection Blog.
