POSITIONED Part 2: “Positioned in Purpose”
Ephesians 1:3–20
INTRODUCTION: THE IDENTITY
Many believers wrestle with who they are because they focus on performance instead of position. Before purpose is revealed, identity must be received.
WHAT IDENTITY IN CHRIST REALLY MEANS
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Identity is not self-made, self-proclaimed, or socially approved. Identity is God-given.
Identity is not based on feelings but on truth.
Identity is not rooted in circumstances but in Christ’s finished work.
Say this out loud: “My identity is not fragile. My worth is not negotiable. My life is positioned in purpose because I am in Christ.”
THREE THEMES OF IDENTITY IN EPHESIANS 1
1. THE BLESSING OF BELONGING
Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV):
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Application View: Instead of living as if you’re spiritually broke, start living like you are already blessed.
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Analogy: Imagine inheriting a million dollars but never opening the bank account. That’s how many believers live: spiritually wealthy but practically broke.
- Philippians 4:19 (NKJV):
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
→ God’s provision is already secured in Christ.
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- 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV):
“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…”
→ Everything you need for purpose and godliness is already yours.
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- John 10:10 (NKJV):
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
→ Live from abundance, not lack.
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Reflect:
- In what area of your life do you act as if you’re lacking?
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- How can gratitude help you live out the reality of being blessed?
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Personal “To-Do”: Make a list of 5 spiritual blessings from Ephesians 1 and thank God for them this week.
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2. THE BEAUTY OF BEING CHOSEN
Ephesians 1:4–7, 11 (NKJV):
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
Application View: Stop living as though you’re rejected. Chosen people don’t beg for validation; they live from acceptance.
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- 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV):
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…”
→ You were selected with divine intention.
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- Romans 8:15–17 (NKJV):
“You received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
→ You are part of God’s family, not an outsider.
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- John 15:16 (NKJV):
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”
→ You were chosen for purpose, not performance.
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Reflect:
- What past rejection do you need to release to embrace God’s acceptance?
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- How can you affirm someone else this week who feels unseen or unwanted?
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Personal To-Do: Each morning this week, affirm yourself by saying: “I am chosen, adopted, and redeemed.”
3. THE BRILLIANCE OF BELIEF
Ephesians 1:18–20 (NKJV):
18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
Analogy: It’s like living in a house with the lights off. Everything you need is there—you just need the switch flipped. Belief flips the switch.
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Application View: Belief activates the power of God already working in you. Faith positions you to see what unbelief blinds you to.
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- Mark 9:23 (NKJV):
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’”
→ Belief unlocks divine possibility.
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- Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV):
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…”
→ Faith pleases God and opens access to His promises.
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- James 1:6 (NKJV):
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…”
→ Doubt dims the light, but faith keeps it on.
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Reflect:
- What area of your life needs your faith to be “turned on”?
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- What practical steps can you take to strengthen your belief this week?
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Personal “To-Do”: Pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17-19 for yourself daily this week.
CLOSING CHALLENGE FOR WEEK 2
Here’s your challenge this week:
- Share one blessing from Ephesians 1 with a friend, co-worker, or family member.
- Write down your top three affirmations of identity and repeat them daily.
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- Post about what it means to be “positioned in purpose” and tag the church (@openheartbaptist) to encourage others.
Remember: Your life is not random. You are not a mistake. You are not overlooked. You are positioned in purpose because you are in Christ.
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