1. Introduction
Ecc.3:11 “…He has put eternity in their hearts…”
God has built into the heart of every person an awareness of eternity.
People long for a sense of purpose, destiny – to make their life count.
God has written this desire into the hearts of men.
2. You have a Destiny
(a) Common Ideas of Destiny
Destiny = a future that is predetermined for you and you cannot change it.
Destiny = a power that determines the course of your life.
e.g. “Fate”, “Karma”; Star Wars Movie “It is your destiny”.
(b) Christians have their own idea of destiny
Many of the ideas, thoughts Christians have are rooted in Greek ideas.
God is Sovereign = the one who causes all things
= He is the sole originator of all thoughts, decisions,
actions
= When something goes wrong God is to blame.
If God orchestrates every detail of our life then all we can do is align with His instructions to be told what to do = passivity or reaction.
God is a personal, loving, caring God.
Jer.29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, plans for good not evil to give you hope”.
God has a plan, purpose, a destiny for us – but He invites our participation and initiative in this plan.
3. God’s Destiny for you was planned before you were born
(a) Samson – Destined to be a deliverer
Jud.13:3-5
(b) Josiah – Destined to be a reformer
1 Kg. 13:2 – Destiny foretold 360 years ahead of his birth.
2 Kg. 21:24
(c) Jeremiah – Destined to be a prophet
Jer.1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, I ordained you”.
God created us long before He forms us.
God imagined trees – created seeds – every seed is potentially a tree.
Before Jeremiah conceived – a destiny was formed by God for him.
(d) You and Me – Destined by God for greatness
Eph.2:10 “We are His workmanship – created in Christ Jesus unto good works which
God prepared beforehand that we would walk in them”
Note:
· Identity – who I am
· Works – what I am called to do
· Time – a period of time to accomplish works. Ps.139:16
4. You were created by God for a Purpose
Eph.2:10
Notice the background or context for this verse:
(i) Chosen by God (ch.1:4)
(ii) Destined for Son-ship (ch.1:5)
(iii) Joined to Holy Spirit (ch.1:13)
(iv) Needing revelation of calling (ch.1:17-19) + purpose
(v) Raised to realm of Kingdom (ch.2:6)
(vi) Belonging to a body/people – church (ch.2:19) (4:12)
(vii) Needing to learn how to walk with God (ch.4:11)
(viii) Needing to learn how to warfare for destiny (ch.6:10)
“Workmanship” = 4161 = something uniquely created by God.
“Created” = 2936 = to bring forth, construct, fabricate.
= to bring into existence something that is unique, is designed for an assignment, that could not evolve by itself.
You are uniquely designed by God to represent Him and advance the Kingdom.
“Before Ordained” = 4282 = to make all the necessary preparations ahead of time.
Before you were formed in the womb and birthed into the world God made all the necessary preparations for you to fulfil His call and purpose.
“Should Walk” = 4043 = to tread all around, to walk at large.
= to be occupied with, to fill your life accomplishing.
= to trample on path, tread underfoot, conquer a territory.
We are called to walk out daily our destiny.
5. You are “Hard Wired” for your Destiny
How does God get you to your destiny?
(i) God speaks to us – must learn to hear, respond, walk.
(ii) God has hard wired us with desires, passions, dreams.
Prov. 4:23 Out of heart flow issues of life.
You must choose to believe what God says about you.
(i) You are a King (Rev.5:10)
(ii) You are one spirit with God (1 Cor. 6:17)
(iii) You are a winner in life (1 Jn.4:4, 5:4)
(iv) You have power (Acts 1:8)
(v) You have an inheritance – territory to possess (Jn. 14:12)
(vi) You are blessed to bless others (Gal. 3:13-14)
(vii) You must take initiative (Lk. 19:13).