Aligning Ambition with God's Purpose and Rest

In reflecting on today’s passage, we are reminded of the complexity of ambition and the subtle ways it can shape our lives. Ambition itself is not inherently wrong; it can drive us to serve, to build, and to bless others. Yet, when ambition becomes self-centered or disconnected from God’s purposes, it can lead us astray. We see this in the way people sometimes tiptoe around their true motives, hiding behind good deeds or noble causes, while their hearts are actually seeking recognition or power. The challenge is to examine our ambitions honestly before God, asking whether they are aligned with His will or simply serving our own desires.

We also considered the importance of rest and the dangers of constant striving. In a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, it is easy to forget that God calls us to periods of rest and reflection. True rest is not just physical, but spiritual—a time to reconnect with God, to listen for His voice, and to remember that our worth is not defined by our achievements. When we neglect rest, we risk losing sight of our identity as beloved children of God, and we may find ourselves fighting battles that God never asked us to fight.

Furthermore, we explored the idea of tangible faith—faith that is lived out in practical ways among the “inhabitants” of our daily lives. It is not enough to have lofty ideals or spiritual ambitions; our faith must be expressed in how we treat others, in our generosity, and in our willingness to serve. This kind of faith is rooted in humility and a deep awareness of our dependence on God’s grace.

Finally, we are called to examine the nature of our union with Christ and with one another. True community is not built on shared ambition or mutual benefit, but on sacrificial love and a commitment to walk together through both joy and hardship. As we seek to live out this calling, may we find strength in God’s presence and courage to pursue His purposes above our own.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Ambition must be surrendered to God’s purposes. When our ambitions are driven by self-interest or the desire for recognition, they can subtly lead us away from God’s best for us. Honest self-examination and prayer are essential to ensure our motives are pure and aligned with God’s will. [49:36]
• 2. The practice of rest is a spiritual discipline, not a luxury. In a culture that idolizes productivity, choosing to rest is a declaration of trust in God’s provision and a reminder that our value is not tied to our accomplishments. Rest allows us to hear God’s voice and to be renewed for the work He calls us to do. [62:36]
• 3. Tangible faith is expressed in everyday actions. It is not enough to hold spiritual beliefs or ambitions; our faith must be visible in how we interact with those around us, especially the “inhabitants” of our daily lives. Generosity, kindness, and service are the true markers of a faith that is alive. [50:54]
• 4. True community is built on sacrificial love, not shared ambition. Relationships rooted in mutual benefit are fragile, but those grounded in Christ’s love can withstand hardship and bring lasting joy. We are called to walk together, supporting one another in both triumph and trial. [79:28]
• 5. Our identity is found in Christ, not in our achievements. When we rest in God’s love and accept our place as His children, we are freed from the need to prove ourselves through ambition or success. This security enables us to serve others selflessly and to pursue God’s purposes with humility. [39:11]
  ** [39:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [39:11] - The Subtlety of Ambition
• [49:36] - Examining Our Motives
• [50:54] - Tangible Faith in Daily Life
• [62:36] - The Gift and Discipline of Rest
• [79:28] - Building True Community
• [85:00] - Embracing Our Identity in Christ
• [90:00] - Serving Others Selflessly
• [95:00] - Trusting God’s Provision
• [100:00] - Walking Together in Love
• [105:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Reading

Mark 10:35-45 (ESV) —
> And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

- Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

> Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Observation Questions

1. In Mark 10:35-45, what did James and John ask Jesus for, and how did Jesus respond to their request?
2. According to the sermon, what are some subtle ways ambition can show up in our lives, even when we are doing good things? [49:36]
3. What does Jesus say is the true path to greatness among his followers in Mark 10:43-44?
4. In Matthew 11:28-30, what kind of rest does Jesus offer, and how is it different from just physical rest?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus challenges the ambitions of James and John, and what does this reveal about the kind of ambition that pleases God? (Mark 10:35-45)
2. The sermon talks about how ambition can sometimes be hidden behind good deeds or noble causes. Why is it important to examine our motives, and how can we tell if our ambition is self-centered or God-centered? [49:36]
3. The practice of rest is described as a spiritual discipline, not just a break from work. What does it mean to rest in God, and why might this be difficult in our culture? [01:02:36]
4. The sermon mentions “tangible faith” that is lived out among the “inhabitants” of our daily lives. What does it look like for faith to be visible in everyday actions? [50:54]

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you were ambitious for something—even something good. Looking back, were your motives more about serving God or about gaining recognition for yourself? How can you check your motives in the future? [49:36]
2. The sermon says that rest is a declaration of trust in God’s provision. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to rest or let go of control? What is one step you could take this week to practice true rest? [01:02:36]
3. Who are the “inhabitants” of your daily life—family, coworkers, neighbors? What is one practical way you can show tangible faith to one of them this week? [50:54]
4. The sermon warns about building community on shared ambition instead of sacrificial love. Are there relationships in your life that are more about mutual benefit than about real love? How could you take a step toward deeper, Christ-like community? [01:19:28]
5. Our culture often ties our value to what we achieve. When you think about your own worth, do you find yourself measuring it by your accomplishments? What would it look like to rest in your identity as God’s beloved child instead? [39:11]
6. The sermon encourages honest self-examination and prayer about our ambitions. What is one question you could ask God this week to help reveal your true motives?
7. Serving others selflessly is a mark of faith that is alive. Is there a specific way you can serve someone this week without expecting anything in return? What might hold you back from doing this? [50:54]