God's Purpose in Us

[WalkerAllan]

God’s Purpose in Us
The reason that we have been placed on this planet is made clear to us in Scripture.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29, NIV)​

​

God’s purpose is to change us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We see this again in 2 Corinthians.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, … (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)​

​

Christ in you
He starts this process at the moment of the New Birth by embedding his life within us …

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27, NIV)​

…and sharing with us his divine nature.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, … (2 Peter 1:4, NIV)​

His life in us
The New Testament describes, in many places, the qualities of the Christian life. It is not so much telling how we should live our lives. Rather it is telling us how we will live our lives as Christ lives his life in us.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NIV)​

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, … (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)​

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, … (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)​

God’s Rest
This is what is being talked about in Hebrews.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9‑10, NIV)​

We are here told that we are to leave this process of transformation to God.

And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18–19, NIV)​

Our part is to put our faith in what God is doing in us.

Faith and Cooperation
Our faith opens the way for an understanding of how God is working within us and why. We thereby gain the ability to cooperate with what he is doing.

…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)​

Having been advised that we “may participate in the divine nature” we are then told to work with God and he works the qualities of his nature into our character.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (2 Peter 1:5–7, NIV)​

Our Jar of Clay
We are reminded that this new life that we experience is not our own but is the life of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV)​

​

This life is progressively revealed to us as we become aware of our own weakness.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)​

As we realise that we cannot rely upon ourselves we become increasingly conscious of our need to rely upon the God who lives in us. This is the basis of faith.

Our “jar of clay” actually struggles against what God is working to do in us.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16–18, NIV)​

​

God’s ultimate act of Redemption will be the ridding us of the remnants of our fallen human nature, that is the “jar of clay.”

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23, NIV)​

The Gift of Righteousness
In the meantime, God has given us the gift of His Righteousness.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)​

The day to day out-working of this profound gift in the life of a child of God is described for us:

…, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17, NIV)​

​

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18, NIV)​

 

[Lion222]

Good words. Thanks.

I would add
Everyone who has This hope in them purifies himself just as he is pure.

That we have been given all things pertaining to life and Godliness.
That ceasing from sin is the very purpose of the Gospel according to Peter.

That our part looks like this.
Search me and know me of God, try me and know my anxious thoughts see if there be any hurtful way in me.
The searching out of the deceitful heart of man(women included) that seeks to hide and deceive us regarding the truth of ourselves.

Confession of sin it a matter of the heart and its motives.
You do not confess what your hand did our your eyes did,, if sin existed their it would be a simple matter to get rid of it.
But sin is the motives of the heart.
Our confession is a confession of why.
The reasons we sin, is our unbelief or our unwillingness to suffer for Christ against sin like He did for us.

This is also our part:
To believe and ask for what Christ to do in us what we are constantly told is impossible even whey the word of God is clear we are to be ... and we are to do... and to be filled up to ...
You do not have because you do not ask or you ask without believing ...

Also our part:
Taking steps of faith in order to know God in the results.
Testing the Spirits in this way as well as with the word of God.

Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commandments and my Father and I will come and make His home with you.
The holy spirit coming to you is a function of your obedience out of love to Christ.
Your salvation is the function of the Holy Spirit freely given and you making full user of that Gift so that your heart does not become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin causing you to fall away and so your salvation will not be as by fire with you suffering loss in regards to your salvation.

 

[WalkerAllan]

Thankyou for your response.

You said: “Also our part: Taking steps of faith in order to know God in the results.”

I agree and would like to make the following comment.

We could describe faith as: Taking a step into the unknown trusting in our Shepherd to lead us to the place he has prepared for us.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8, NIV)

 

[Godsgirl83]

AHHHH...
after reading several other depressing threads, reading this one is like a breath of fresh air.

 

[throughfaith]

God’s Purpose in Us
The reason that we have been placed on this planet is made clear to us in Scripture.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29, NIV)​

​

God’s purpose is to change us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We see this again in 2 Corinthians.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, … (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)​

​

Christ in you
He starts this process at the moment of the New Birth by embedding his life within us …

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27, NIV)​

…and sharing with us his divine nature.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, … (2 Peter 1:4, NIV)​

His life in us
The New Testament describes, in many places, the qualities of the Christian life. It is not so much telling how we should live our lives. Rather it is telling us how we will live our lives as Christ lives his life in us.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NIV)​

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, … (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)​

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, … (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)​

God’s Rest
This is what is being talked about in Hebrews.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9‑10, NIV)​

We are here told that we are to leave this process of transformation to God.

And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18–19, NIV)​

Our part is to put our faith in what God is doing in us.

Faith and Cooperation
Our faith opens the way for an understanding of how God is working within us and why. We thereby gain the ability to cooperate with what he is doing.

…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)​

Having been advised that we “may participate in the divine nature” we are then told to work with God and he works the qualities of his nature into our character.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (2 Peter 1:5–7, NIV)​

Our Jar of Clay
We are reminded that this new life that we experience is not our own but is the life of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV)​

​

This life is progressively revealed to us as we become aware of our own weakness.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)​

As we realise that we cannot rely upon ourselves we become increasingly conscious of our need to rely upon the God who lives in us. This is the basis of faith.

Our “jar of clay” actually struggles against what God is working to do in us.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16–18, NIV)​

​

God’s ultimate act of Redemption will be the ridding us of the remnants of our fallen human nature, that is the “jar of clay.”

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23, NIV)​

The Gift of Righteousness
In the meantime, God has given us the gift of His Righteousness.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)​

The day to day out-working of this profound gift in the life of a child of God is described for us:

…, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17, NIV)​

​

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18, NIV)​

When you say ' we ' here ///The reason that we have been placed on this planet is made clear to us in Scripture.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29, NIV)/// do you mean everyone who has been placed on this planet ?

 

[WalkerAllan]

When you say ' we ' here ///The reason that we have been placed on this planet is made clear to us in Scripture.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29, NIV)/// do you mean everyone who has been placed on this planet ?

Yes. I am talking about the human race. God "foreknew" that some would accept his gift of salvation and would be transformed into the image of his Son. He "foreknew" that others would not. But the offer is open to all.

 

[WalkerAllan]

Everyone who has This hope in them purifies himself just as he is pure.

In my view “hope” is a confidence that we will receive what we ask for.

The Word of God makes it clear to us that we will receive whatever we ask that is in accordance with his will.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14‑15, NIV)

The question then is “how do we know that what we ask is the will and purpose of God?”

I believe that we need to approach this question on two levels.

The first to come to grips with is what is God’s overall purpose in Creation and Redemption.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:11, NIV)

It is when we start to have a grasp of these fundamental truths that we can gain some understanding of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us.

…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13, NIV)

In a particular situation, it is when we have settled these questions deep within our hearts, that we are able to pray the prayer of faith and actually receive what we ask for.

 

[Lion222]

In my view “hope” is a confidence that we will receive what we ask for.

The Word of God makes it clear to us that we will receive whatever we ask that is in accordance with his will.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14‑15, NIV)

The question then is “how do we know that what we ask is the will and purpose of God?”

I believe that we need to approach this question on two levels.

The first to come to grips with is what is God’s overall purpose in Creation and Redemption.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:11, NIV)

It is when we start to have a grasp of these fundamental truths that we can gain some understanding of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us.

…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13, NIV)

In a particular situation, it is when we have settled these questions deep within our hearts, that we are able to pray the prayer of faith and actually receive what we ask for.

Gods will is easy just ask for what he says you should be.
Be holy
Be Perfect
Be filled up to the fullness of the stature of Christ Jesus
Be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Be kind one to another, tenderhearted.
Be angry without sinful motives.
My favorite cease from sin and begin to live the rest of your life for the Glory of God.
There are a bunch more but this is a good enough start for anyone to start asking according to the will of God asking in faith and believing He is able.
Living in dependence, not trusting in our own ability.
Loosing faith in ourselves for what we see and know and do and think and understand

 

[Lion222]

Thankyou for your response.

You said: “Also our part: Taking steps of faith in order to know God in the results.”

I agree and would like to make the following comment.

We could describe faith as: Taking a step into the unknown trusting in our Shepherd to lead us to the place he has prepared for us.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8, NIV)

I could add this.
If you think its God calling you to do something, then you know what is right to do and you are required to keep your conscience.
If you are unsure go in prayer But if you where right then you knew what is right to do and do not do it is sin for you.
He directs our steps but you must pick up your foot first and go in the faith that He will.

 

[WalkerAllan]

I could add this.
If you think its God calling you to do something, then you know what is right to do and you are required to keep your conscience.
If you are unsure go in prayer But if you where right then you knew what is right to do and do not do it is sin for you.
He directs our steps but you must pick up your foot first and go in the faith that He will.

An intellectual understanding of the will of God is not enough.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (Romans 8:14, NIV)

This has to be every step of the way.

 

[Lion222]

An intellectual understanding of the will of God is not enough.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (Romans 8:14, NIV)

This has to be every step of the way.

1 John 4:7-8

 

[oyster67]

So many beautiful things and wonderful purposes!

Two things that immediately come to me....

-To spread the Good News of Salvation provided for all who humbly come under the Blood of His precious and dear Son Jesus.

-To commune with Him both now and for ever and ever .

 

[throughfaith]

Yes. I am talking about the human race. God "foreknew" that some would accept his gift of salvation and would be transformed into the image of his Son. He "foreknew" that others would not. But the offer is open to all.

Of course God being outside of time would know . But this knowledge, does it ' do ' anything? or are you just stating the fact ? When you say /////The reason that we have been placed on this planet is made clear to us in Scripture.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29, NIV)///

So this is confusing now . Are you saying that God placed everyone on this planet . Some to be conformed to his image and the rest for hell ? I only first responded because you said ' we ' have been placed on this earth for the purpose of Romans 8 . 29 and ///God’s purpose is to change us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We see this again in 2 Corinthians.
implying that God placed us on the earth intentionally to be saved and this is determined by God . Which of course implies that God places others on this earth not change them into the likeness of Jesus Christ. But for Hell ?

 

[oyster67]

God foreknew

God foreknows everything, but He only knows His own in the Salvational sense.

 

[throughfaith]

God foreknows everything, but He only knows His own in the Salvational sense.

Is this 'knowing 'causative . Or are you just stating the fact ,that he knows . But that this ' knowing ' is of no consequence to us . I guess other than establishing God's attributes ect ?

 

[oyster67]

Is this 'knowing 'causative .

No.

just stating the fact ,that he knows .

Yes.

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

Yes. I am talking about the human race. God "foreknew" that some would accept his gift of salvation and would be transformed into the image of his Son. He "foreknew" that others would not. But the offer is open to all.

Whosoever!

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

An intellectual understanding of the will of God is not enough.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (Romans 8:14, NIV)

This has to be every step of the way.

How are we led by the Holy Spirit?

 

[oyster67]

How are we led by the Holy Spirit?

Abide in the Vine, brother!

 

[oyster67]

Walk in the Light!