Summary
What if the labels we carry through life are not definitions but distractions? This message takes us deep into Ephesians 2:10, where Paul declares that we are God’s workmanship, a word rooted in the Greek poiema, the same word from which we get our English word poem. We are not our family history, our performance record, our medical diagnoses, or our personality types. Those things may describe experiences we have had, but they do not define who we are. What defines us is far more profound: we are God’s masterpiece, His living poem, crafted with intention and purpose. The message challenges us to stop looking in the mirror and reciting a list of limitations, and instead to rest in the identity that God Himself has spoken over us. When we begin to see ourselves the way God sees us, everything changes.
Key Scripture – Ephesians 2:10
Discussion Questions
Getting Into the Text
- Read Ephesians 2:8-10 together as a group. What stands out to you most from these three verses? What questions do they raise for you?
- The sermon highlighted the Greek word “poiema,” meaning masterpiece or poem. How does understanding that word change the way you read verse 10? What does it mean to you personally to be described as God’s poem or masterpiece?
- Romans 1:20 also uses the word “poiema” when referring to creation. What does it tell us about God that He uses the same word to describe both the created world and His people?
Exploring the Four False Identities
- The sermon identified four things people often cling to as their identity: family history, performance history, medical history, and personality. Which of these do you find yourself most tempted to lean on as a source of identity? Why?
- Andy said that labels like “I’m clumsy,” “I’m not organized,” or “I’m afraid” are not just excuses but “lies from the pit of hell.” Do you agree with that framing? How have false identity labels held you back from God’s purposes in your life?
Remaining in Christ
- The sermon used the image of Michelangelo and the statue of David — chipping away everything that was not David — as a picture of what God is doing in us. How have you seen God chip away at something in your life that was not reflecting Christ? What did that process feel like?
- Jesus says in John 15 that a branch cannot produce fruit unless it remains on the vine. What does it practically look like for you to remain in Christ on a daily basis? What habits or rhythms help you stay connected to Him?
- Andy spoke directly to people who consider themselves good moral people but whose relationship with God is built on works rather than faith. How would you explain the difference between being a good person and being a person in Christ? How might you share that distinction with someone in your life?
Persisting in Good Works
- The sermon defined a good work as “a holy disruption of what the world would call normal.” Using that definition, what is one good work you could do this week in the way you act, the way you speak, or the way you think?
- Andy made the point that we can have either too high or too low a bar for what counts as a good work. Where do you tend to land? Do you dismiss small, everyday acts of faithfulness, or do you give yourself credit too easily?
Resting in God’s Preparation
- Ephesians 2:10 says that God prepared good works ahead of time for us to do. How does knowing that God has already gone before you change the way you approach serving Him? Does it bring you relief, or does it raise other questions?
- The sermon warned against chasing one big, dramatic good work while missing the small, ordinary, daily opportunities for faithfulness. What small, ordinary good works might God be calling you to right now that you have been overlooking?
Scripture Reference
Directly Cited
- Ephesians 2:10 – The central verse of the sermon, on being God’s workmanship created for good works
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – On salvation by grace through faith, not by works
- Romans 1:20 – On God’s invisible attributes being understood through what he has made (poiema)
- John 15:4-5 – On remaining in Christ as the vine and branches producing fruit
Referenced
- Romans 3:23 – All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
- Isaiah 64:6 – Righteous acts being like filthy rags before God
- Romans 8:29 – Being conformed to the image of Christ
- Genesis 1:1 – Creation out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo)
- James 2:14-26 – The relationship between saving faith and works
- Matthew 7:23 – “I never knew you” spoken before God
- Philippians 4:8 – Dwelling on things that are pure, lovely, honorable, and praiseworthy
- Ephesians 4:29 – Letting no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth
- Philippians 2:3-4 – Considering others above yourself in humility
- Romans 12:2 – The renewing of the mind