Introduction: “god’s Provision For Our Potential” Series

The Bible has much to say about the potential that resides within the life of each and every Child of God. But one verse that sums it up well:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Everyone who has been recreated in Christ Jesus has the potential to do good works in keeping with God’s will, as a result of being God’s masterpiece. The idea of our being God’s masterpiece speaks of both of what will be our eternal destiny and what can be our daily reality.

My eternal destiny is to be God’s masterpiece. When Jesus returns and eternity is ushered in, I will be like Jesus spiritually, physically,

emotionally, mentally, etc. And throughout eternity, I will do good works in keeping with God’s will. This will be my eternal destiny.

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” - 1 John 3:2 (NIV)

But I do not need to wait for our Lord’s return to be God’s masterpiece. Becoming God’s masterpiece can also be my daily reality, as I allow the master to transform me into the likeness of His dear Son.

John goes on to make this point in the very next verse:

“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” - 1 John 3:3 (NIV)

John says that those of us who have been recreated in Christ Jesus need not wait until eternity is ushered in to become God’s masterpiece, for what will be our eternal destiny can also be our daily reality.

One day, as a result of my salvation, becoming God’s masterpiece will be my eternal destiny; but today, as a result of my surrender, becoming God’s masterpiece can also be my daily reality.

In the world of art, there are the original masterpieces painted by masters like Picasso, Rembrandt, or Leonardo da Vinci; and then there are forgeries and fakes. Experts can tell the difference between a fake and an original by being able to recognize the touch of the master on the canvas.

One day, when eternity is ushered in, all who have been recreated in Christ Jesus will have the recognizable touch of the master upon them. But we need not wait. If we’ll surrender to God and let Him transform us today, others will be able to recognize the touch of the Master’s hand upon us, as we do good works in keeping with God’s will. That’s what Paul mentions in our theme verse for the Transformed Campaign:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Next Sunday, we’ll begin the transformed Spiritual Growth Campaign. We’ll consider how God can work to transform us spiritually,

physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, financially, and vocationally. But before we begin this series of studies, I want us to understand that everything we need to be transformed into God’s masterpiece has been provided by our Lord. God is intimately concerned with every detail of our lives and He desires to make a profound and powerful difference in every area.

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” - Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

We’re going to look at every aspect of our lives and consider how God can make things better. We’re going to consider how God can work make the rest of your life the best of your life. And we’ll want to take advantage of each of God’s provisions to be able to reach our potential in Him. What are God’s provisions for our potential?

1. God has given His Word to guide me.

The Bible, is the owner’s manual for life. The more you get this book into your mind and heart; the more you read it, study it, meditate on it; the more successful, the more fulfilled you’re going to be in life. When Joshua was called by God to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, God told him how he could fulfill His God-given potential:

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” - Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

What was true for Joshua is true also for us. God’s will is that we have “good success.” But the Lord doesn’t define success like many today. For the believer, success can be defined by Ephesians 2:10 - doing good works in keeping with God’s will. But we can’t reach our