The Mona Lisa is considered priceless — but Scripture says you are worth far more. Ephesians 2:10 calls every born again believer God's "workmanship," and the Greek word is poiema, where the English word "poem" comes from. Part 6 of the Your REAL ID series unpacks what it means to be God's masterpiece.
The Context
Ephesians 2:1-10 paints a vivid before-and-after picture of every believer's life. The first three verses describe what humanity is apart from Christ — dead in trespasses, following the course of this world, by nature children of wrath. Then verse 4 pivots on the most beautiful two-word turning point in Scripture: "But God." The passage ends with verse 10, declaring that "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" — or as the New Living Translation renders it, "we are God's masterpiece."
The Core Message
Pastor Tim Howe traces the Greek word poiema — translated workmanship or masterpiece — and shows it is used only one other time in the New Testament, in Romans 1:20, where Paul says creation itself displays the craftsmanship of God to the unbelieving world. If the heavens declare His glory and the skies proclaim His handiwork, how much more does a born again believer reflect the artistry of the One who made them? Using the story of the Mona Lisa as a parallel, the teaching walks through seven striking similarities: the masterpiece was created by a master artist over time, purchased by a king, put on display for the world, stolen by a thief who was caught and imprisoned, kept safe through every threat, made more famous because of the thief's actions, and considered priceless. Every one of those points has a direct parallel in the life of a believer.
Becoming a masterpiece, however, is not an instant process — it is a progressive work of layer upon layer, much like Leonardo's oil glazes added gradually over years. The temptation is to rush sanctification, to try to complete in our own strength what God began by His Spirit, or to give up when the enemy seems to be winning. But Philippians 1:6 promises that the One who began the good work will bring it to completion, and Romans 8:28 reminds believers that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Even when life feels like being hidden under floorboards or trampled by an enemy, the master artist is still at work, and the testimony that comes out on the other side brings even greater glory to the Creator.
The Application
- See The Artistry: Recognize that as a born again believer you are not an accident — you are God's masterpiece, handcrafted by the master artist with intentional purpose and design.
- Submit To Process: Trust that sanctification happens layer by layer, not all at once, and resist the urge to strive — your role is to humbly sit under the artist's hand and let Him work.
- Remember The Price: Anchor your sense of worth in what God paid for you — the precious blood of Christ — a price that no amount of silver or gold could ever match.
- Reflect The Creator: Live in such a way that when others look at your life, they catch a glimpse of the Father's heart and give glory to the artist who made you.
- Cling Through Trials: When you feel walked over, hidden away, or stolen from, remember that God restores — often bringing greater glory out of what the enemy meant for evil.
- Stop Striving: Refuse to complete in the flesh what God began in the Spirit; humble yourself, submit to His process, and trust that He who began the good work will bring it to completion.
Conclusion
Take a few minutes to listen to this powerful Part 6 message and discover what changes when you start seeing yourself as the priceless masterpiece God created you to be.
Here are some of the concepts we'll be touching on in today's message:
I am God's masterpiece, Your REAL ID, Ephesians 2:10, Poiema, God's workmanship, Master artist, Progressive sanctification, Born again believer, True identity in Christ, Mona Lisa parallel, Created in Christ Jesus, Good works prepared beforehand, Priceless in Christ, Reflecting God's glory, Romans 8:28, All things work together for good, Joseph in Genesis, Submitting to God, Restoration, Set on display
Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:3-7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Matthew 5:14-16; John 10:10; John 18:37; Revelation 19:16; James 4:6-7; Job 42:10-17; 2 Timothy 4:16-18; Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20
