InstaStudy

Before We Were Born: God Set Our Boundaries

This study explores the profound truth that God's plan for our lives was established before our birth, encompassing His foreknowledge, divine purpose, and the sovereign boundaries He set for each individual. We will examine how this understanding shapes our identity and response to His will.

1. God's Eternal Plan and Foreknowledge

1.1 Known Before Conception

Verses: Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5
  • God intimately forms us in the secret place, knowing every detail of our being.
  • He knows our frame and all our days are written in His book before one of them comes to be.
  • He sanctifies and ordains us for a purpose even before we are born.

1.2 Chosen in Him Before the Foundation of the World

Verses: Ephesians 1:4-5; 2 Timothy 1:9
  • God's election is based on His own purpose and grace, not on our merit.
  • He chose us in Christ before time began, demonstrating His pre-existent plan for humanity.
  • This divine choice is for us to be holy and blameless before Him in love.

2. Divine Appointment and Purpose

2.1 Called to a Specific Destiny

Verses: Galatians 1:15; Isaiah 49:1
  • God separates us from our mother's womb, setting us apart for His service.
  • He calls us by His grace, initiating our journey into His divine plan.
  • Our individual purpose is an integral part of His larger, overarching plan for creation.

2.2 Prepared for Good Works

Verses: Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28-29
  • We are His workmanship, created anew in Christ for specific good works.
  • These good works were prepared beforehand by God for us to walk in them.
  • God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

3. Boundaries and Sovereignty

3.1 The Times and Places of Our Dwelling

Verses: Acts 17:26; Job 14:5
  • God has determined the appointed times and the precise boundaries of our habitation.
  • Our days are determined by Him, and the number of our months is with Him.
  • He has appointed our limits, which we cannot pass, demonstrating His ultimate control.

3.2 Gifts and Talents from Above

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6
  • There are diversities of gifts, but they all originate from the same Spirit.
  • God distributes these gifts to each one individually as He determines and wills.
  • We are to use our unique gifts according to the grace given to us for His glory.

3.3 God's Unchanging Nature and Plan

Verses: Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 46:10
  • God does not change; His character and purposes are steadfast and eternal.
  • Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, reflecting God's immutability.
  • He declares the end from the beginning, and His counsel shall stand, ensuring His plan will be fulfilled.

4. Responding to God's Design

4.1 Seeking His Will

Verses: Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:2
  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
  • In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
  • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind to discern and prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

4.2 Living in Obedience

Verses: John 14:15; Philippians 2:12-13
  • If you love Him, you will keep His commandments, demonstrating your devotion.
  • Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, actively engaging in your spiritual journey.
  • For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure, empowering your obedience.

4.3 Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1-3
  • If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
  • Our true life is hidden with Christ in God, securing our identity in Him.
  • We are to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things, reflecting our heavenly calling.