23/08/2026
HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY’S SERMON
By Bishop Dr. Mtonga
Scriptures: Ephesians 1:4 & Ephesians 2:10
1. You Were Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
Ephesians 1:4 says that God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.
- Affirm yourself: “I was chosen by God before the foundation of the world.”
- Your existence is not an accident.
- God had you in His plan before you were created.
2. We Are God’s Workmanship
Ephesians 2:10 says:
«“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”»
- Where there is art, there is an artist behind it.
- Every piece of art we see has someone behind it who designed and created it.
- You are a person whom God has worked on.
- You are God’s beautiful workmanship.
- We are a complicated and unique work of God.
3. Every Workmanship Requires Tools and Materials
- Every workmanship uses tools and materials to produce something amazing.
- Even God used material when creating man.
- When God created man, He used the earth/dust of the ground.
- God is an artist. He creates, designs and makes.
4. God Had a Picture of You
- An artist usually has a picture of what they want to create in their mind before they begin.
- The picture first exists in the artist’s mind.
- In the same way, God had a picture of you before you were created.
- You were part of God’s plan before you came into existence.
5. Jesus Christ Is Central to Our Creation and Purpose
- One of the key materials in God’s plan for humanity is Jesus Christ, His Son.
- We were not created apart from Christ.
- You were not created without Jesus Christ.
- Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works.
- Therefore, your life should produce good works.
- You were created for a purpose.
6. The Creation of Man and Woman
- God created Adam from the dust of the ground.
- Eve was created differently from Adam.
- God took a rib from Adam and created Eve.
- The rib is close to the heart, illustrating the closeness and relationship intended between man and woman.
- Adam said of Eve, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”
- The point is that Eve was not created in exactly the same way Adam was.
- God’s design established order, relationship and authority.
7. The Teaching Concerning Lilith — Historical Bonus
- Bishop also mentioned the historical tradition of Lilith, who is sometimes described in later Jewish folklore as Adam’s first wife.
- According to that tradition, Lilith was said to have been created from the earth and to have considered herself equal to Adam before rebelling.
- The story later became associated with Lilith as a demonic or night figure.
- Note: This is a historical/folklore tradition and is not found in the biblical account of Genesis.
- The biblical account presents Eve as Adam’s wife.
8. God’s Purpose and Authority
- The creation of man and woman demonstrates that God has a design and order for relationships.
- God’s intention is for His creation to function according to His purpose.
- We should therefore understand and respect God’s order and authority.
9. The Work of an Artist May Not Make Sense at First
- When an artist begins working on a piece of art, what they are doing may not make sense to someone watching.
- But when the artist finishes, the picture becomes clear.
- Your life may not make sense to you right now because God is still working on you.
- Do not judge the unfinished work.
- Trust the Artist who knows the final picture.
10. You Are Created for Good Works
- Ephesians 2:10 says we were created in Christ Jesus for good works.
- This means your works ought to be good.
- You were created for a purpose.
- Your life should have meaning and impact.
- Do not live a boring or purposeless life when God has created you for something greater.
11. Be a Giver
- Be a giver.
- Use what God has given you to bless others.
- Your life should not only be about receiving; it should also be about giving and becoming a blessing.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
You are God’s workmanship. You were chosen before the foundation of the world, carefully designed by God and created in Christ Jesus for good works. Even when your life does not make sense, remember that the Artist is still working on you. Trust His process, discover your purpose, do good works, and be a giver.
