Category: Bible Study

Lesson 3: A Kingdom-Aligned Life-Embracing the divine purpose inherent in our identity

This phrase signifies the acknowledgment of a higher calling and intentionality woven into our existence. It communicates the idea that our identity is not arbitrary but intricately connected to a divine purpose that shapes our lives.quest for purpose, often considered the most challenging inquiry in human existence, has perplexed philosophers and thinkers across ages and cultures. The pursuit of answering the seemingly simple question—Why do I exist? —has been a persistent thread in the fabric of human thought. This profound contemplation, seeking an explanation for the essence of our existence, resonates not only in the philosophical realms but also permeates modern society, notably within pop culture. From literature to music, movies, and art, expressions of this existential quest can be found, reflecting the ongoing human search for meaning and purpose in a contemporary context. The result is an empty life that keep us walking in circles through our life without going anywhere because the absence of purpose.    

Ephesians 2:10 serves as a profound guide in our search for purpose, declaring, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This verse encapsulates powerful truths, affirming that our lives are intricately crafted by God, dispelling the notion of randomness in our existence.

It underscores the deliberate nature of our creation, emphasizing God’s preordained purpose for each individual. Additionally, the verse highlights the intentional alignment of our lives with good works, signifying a divine call to positively impact the world. In essence, Ephesians 2:10 reveals the intricacy of God’s plan for our purpose, the meaningfulness of our existence, and the intentional connection between our lives and the good works designed by God for us to fulfill.

By embracing this purpose, we align ourselves with God’s plan, allowing his intentions for us to guide our thoughts, actions, and relationships. This concept reinforces the idea that our identity as children of God is not passive but carries an inherent purpose designed by the creator himself.

The Metaphor of Ambassadors in the Kingdom

The metaphor of ambassadors in the Kingdom serves as a profound lens through which believers understand their identity and purpose. Ambassadors are representatives of a higher authority, carrying the message and values of their sovereign. In the spiritual context, Christians are akin to ambassadors representing the Kingdom of God on Earth. This metaphor emphasizes the divine origin of their mission, transcending earthly limitations. Just as earthly ambassadors embody the culture and ideals of their nation, believers are called to embody the principles and values of God’s Kingdom.

Recognition of being Kingdom ambassadors brings both privileges and responsibilities. Ambassadors enjoy access to the resources and authority of their sending nation, symbolizing the spiritual authority and resources available to believers as representatives of God’s Kingdom.

Simultaneously, this role demands a sense of responsibility. Ambassadors are entrusted with delivering the message faithfully, fostering understanding, and promoting peace. Likewise, believers bear the responsibility of accurately conveying the message of God’s love, repentance, and transformation of our lives, to transform our communities and nations. Understanding these privileges and responsibilities deepens the commitment to live in alignment with the divine mission, fostering a sense of accountability and devotion in fulfilling the ambassadorial role.

Divine Authorization and Prosperity

The divine authorization bestowed upon believers, intricately tied with spiritual authority, is a transformative concept deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20 stands as the beacon of this divine empowerment, where Jesus, having triumphed over death, delegates authority to His disciples.

However, this divine authorization is not confined to a realm of spiritual dynamics alone; it permeates the core of believers’ lives, extending to the economic sphere in a manner that aligns with the overarching mission of the Kingdom.

In understanding divine authorization and prosperity, it’s imperative to recognize that God’s economy operates on principles distinct from the world’s economic systems. It goes beyond financial wealth to embrace the richness of spiritual abundance and the impact believers can have on individuals, communities, and nations.

Matthew 28:18-20: A Mandate Beyond Spirituality

In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV), Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…” This pronouncement encompasses spiritual authority but also implies an authority that transcends earthly constraints. The commission to make disciples is not a call to spiritual dominance alone; it is a mandate to influence every aspect of human existence, including the economic sphere.

Living the Kingdom of God happens in three main stages: Knowledge of the kingdom and its principles, realization, and understanding of those principles, and the manifestation of the kingdom culture through our life. We cannot manifest what we don’t understand, and we can’t understand what we don’t know. Recognizing ourselves as sons and daughters of God is the starting point in our quest to understand our mission from the kingdom. Failing to understand who we are in our relationship with God and through what the book of Hebrews calls “the new covenant” can take us into a distorted self-perception of our life, our behavior, and our mission.

The Scriptures emphasize our identity as God’s children, highlighting the intimate relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. In passages like Galatians 4:6-7, it’s expressed that we cry out, “Abba, Father,” indicating a closeness and familiarity with God. Romans 8:16 reinforces this truth, affirming that the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are indeed God’s children.

Romans 8:17 – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

1 John 3:1 – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

Ephesians 1:5-6 – “He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

Before the foundation of the world, God had a plan to adopt us into His family through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. This adoption isn’t a mere legal transaction; it’s a relational transformation. In Romans 8:15 (ESV), Paul writes, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” The term “Abba” reflects an intimate and affectionate term for a father, highlighting the closeness and warmth of our relationship with God.

The redemption work of Christ on the cross is pivotal to our adoption. In Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV), Paul underscores, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Christ’s sacrificial death paid the price for our sins, removing the barrier between us and God, and opening the way for us to become His children.

Co Heirs of the Kingdom with Christ

As adopted children, we are not only recipients of God’s love but also coheirs of His Kingdom. Romans 8:17 (ESV) elucidates this shared inheritance: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” This profound truth signifies that our inheritance is inseparably linked to Christ’s inheritance.

Our coheir status with Christ has significant implications for our self-perception. Instead of viewing ourselves as distant or unworthy, we are invited to see ourselves as joint heirs with the King of Kings. This perspective transforms how we approach life, challenges, and our identity. It instills a sense of purpose, dignity, and divine worth.

Ambassadors for God’s Kingdom

Our appointment as ambassadors is a continuation of our identity as God’s adopted children and coheirs. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV), Paul articulates, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

Ambassadors represent a higher authority and carry the message and values of their sovereign. Similarly, as ambassadors for Christ, we represent the Kingdom of God on Earth. This designation elevates our self-perception. Instead of viewing ourselves as mere mortals, we understand that we are divine representatives entrusted with a heavenly mission.

Our earthly existence is imbued with a sacred purpose—to be instruments through which God’s appeal for reconciliation is made known. This transforms the mundane into the sacred, and the ordinary into the extraordinary. As ambassadors, we engage in the ministry of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the transformative love and grace found in Christ.

Impact on our Heavenly Mission on Earth

Understanding our identity as adopted children, coheirs, and ambassadors profoundly impacts our heavenly mission on Earth. The awareness of being loved, chosen, and entrusted with a divine purpose instills confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility.

The heavenly mission is about extending God’s Kingdom—bringing His love, justice, and grace into every sphere of life. As coheirs, we actively participate in Christ’s redemptive work. This isn’t a distant future; it’s a present reality. Romans 8:19 (ESV) declares, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” The world anticipates the manifestation of our divine identity through impactful living.

As ambassadors, our conduct, words, and deeds carry weight in the spiritual realm. We impact individuals, communities, and societies by embodying Kingdom values. Our heavenly mission becomes a collaborative effort with the Holy Spirit, aligning our actions with God’s purposes.

Our identity in Christ as God’s adopted children, co-heirs with Christ, and ambassadors for His Kingdom is the result of combining divine grace and purpose. This intricate design shapes our self-perception and empowers our heavenly mission on Earth. Embracing this identity propels us to live out our calling with authenticity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom in every aspect of our lives.