Aligning Our Priorities with God's Mission
Summary
In this pivotal moment for our church, as Kay and I prepare to step aside after 43 years of leadership, we are reminded of the importance of priorities in our lives. The transition to new leadership with Pastor Andy Wood is a significant step, but it also serves as a reminder of the broader mission we are all called to. As I prepare to lead the global campaign "Finishing the Task," I want to address a critical issue that affects many of us: misplaced priorities.
Misplaced priorities often lead to discouragement, especially among church leaders. Many find themselves overwhelmed, focusing on minor issues rather than the significant tasks God has set before them. This misalignment can lead to fatigue and frustration, as the urgent often overshadows the ultimate. It's crucial to remember that not everything is worth doing, and God doesn't expect us to do it all. Instead, we should focus on what truly matters: the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
Jesus and the Apostle Paul exemplified purpose-driven lives, maintaining clarity in their priorities. Jesus, even at a young age, knew His purpose was to be about His Father's business. Paul, too, was unwavering in his mission to spread the gospel. Their lives teach us the importance of focusing on God's agenda, which is the redemption of the world and building His kingdom.
To align with God's priorities, we must adopt His agenda, abandon distractions, and appropriate His power. God's agenda is not political or economic; it is about building a family of redeemed individuals from every nation. We must focus on spreading the gospel and making disciples, both locally and globally. Distractions, whether political, cultural, or personal, can derail us from this mission. We must remain steadfast, seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting that He will provide all we need.
As we move forward, let us commit to making God's agenda our primary concern. Let us be willing to be used by God, focusing on what truly matters: reaching one more for Jesus. This is the legacy we want to leave, and it is the most significant task we can undertake.
Key Takeaways:
- Misplaced priorities lead to discouragement and fatigue. We often focus on minor issues instead of the significant tasks God has set before us. It's essential to realign our priorities with God's agenda, focusing on what truly matters. [02:59]
- Jesus and Paul exemplified purpose-driven lives, maintaining clarity in their priorities. Their lives teach us the importance of focusing on God's agenda, which is the redemption of the world and building His kingdom. [08:35]
- God's agenda is not political or economic; it is about building a family of redeemed individuals from every nation. We must focus on spreading the gospel and making disciples, both locally and globally. [10:16]
- Distractions, whether political, cultural, or personal, can derail us from God's mission. We must remain steadfast, seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting that He will provide all we need. [21:17]
- To align with God's priorities, we must adopt His agenda, abandon distractions, and appropriate His power. This commitment will enable us to focus on what truly matters: reaching one more for Jesus. [42:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Transition Announcement
- [00:49] - Future Plans: Finishing the Task
- [01:27] - Misplaced Priorities
- [02:20] - Discouragement Among Leaders
- [03:42] - First-Class Allegiance to Second-Class Causes
- [04:11] - Three Facts of Life
- [05:17] - Focus on the Great Commandment and Commission
- [06:29] - Jesus' Purpose-Driven Life
- [07:36] - Apostle Paul's Mission
- [09:16] - Adopting God's Agenda
- [12:36] - The Kingdom of God
- [20:13] - Abandoning Distractions
- [23:09] - Saddleback's Consistent Growth
- [26:22] - Personal Distractions from God's Kingdom
- [31:36] - God's Purposes for Our Lives
- [40:01] - Legacy of Reaching One More for Jesus
- [42:26] - Appropriating God's Power
- [48:22] - Invitation to Adopt God's Agenda
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. Acts 20:24 - "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
3. Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some examples of misplaced priorities mentioned in the sermon that can lead to discouragement and fatigue among church leaders? [02:59]
2. How did Jesus and the Apostle Paul demonstrate purpose-driven lives according to the sermon? [08:35]
3. What is described as God's agenda in the sermon, and how does it differ from political or economic agendas? [10:16]
4. What distractions are mentioned in the sermon that can derail us from God's mission? [21:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest we can realign our priorities with God's agenda, and what role does the Great Commandment and the Great Commission play in this? [05:17]
2. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the importance of focusing on God's kingdom rather than personal or cultural distractions? [12:36]
3. How does the sermon interpret the significance of Matthew 6:33 in the context of seeking God's kingdom first? [21:17]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between adopting God's agenda and experiencing His power in our lives? [42:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any areas where you feel you might be focusing on minor issues rather than significant tasks God has set before you? How can you begin to shift your focus? [02:59]
2. Jesus and Paul maintained clarity in their purpose. What steps can you take to ensure your life is purpose-driven and aligned with God's mission? [08:35]
3. Identify a distraction in your life that might be derailing you from God's mission. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize or eliminate this distraction? [21:17]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reaching one more for Jesus. Who is one person in your life you can reach out to this week to share the gospel or show Christ's love? [40:01]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of seeking God's kingdom first into your daily routine? What changes might you need to make in your schedule or habits? [21:17]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of adopting God's agenda. What is one specific way you can align your personal goals with God's kingdom agenda this month? [09:44]
7. Consider the legacy you want to leave. How can you ensure that your life and actions contribute to building God's kingdom and reaching others for Christ? [40:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Priorities with God's Agenda
Misplaced priorities can lead to discouragement and fatigue, as individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by focusing on minor issues rather than the significant tasks set before them by God. This misalignment can result in a sense of frustration, as the urgent often overshadows the ultimate. It is crucial to remember that not everything is worth doing, and God does not expect us to do it all. Instead, the focus should be on what truly matters: the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. By realigning priorities with God's agenda, individuals can find renewed purpose and energy in their spiritual journey. [02:59]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one minor issue in your life that has been consuming your time and energy? How can you shift your focus to align more closely with God's priorities today?
Day 2: Purpose-Driven Lives of Jesus and Paul
Jesus and the Apostle Paul exemplified purpose-driven lives, maintaining clarity in their priorities. Jesus, even at a young age, knew His purpose was to be about His Father's business. Paul, too, was unwavering in his mission to spread the gospel. Their lives teach the importance of focusing on God's agenda, which is the redemption of the world and building His kingdom. By following their examples, individuals can learn to live with intentionality and purpose, ensuring that their actions align with God's greater plan. [08:35]
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you model your life after Jesus and Paul to ensure your priorities reflect God's mission for redemption and kingdom-building?
Day 3: God's Agenda Beyond Politics and Economics
God's agenda is not political or economic; it is about building a family of redeemed individuals from every nation. The focus should be on spreading the gospel and making disciples, both locally and globally. This mission transcends earthly concerns and calls for a commitment to God's vision for humanity. By prioritizing this divine agenda, individuals can contribute to the growth of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His purpose for the world. [10:16]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in spreading the gospel and making disciples in your local community and beyond?
Day 4: Overcoming Distractions to Fulfill God's Mission
Distractions, whether political, cultural, or personal, can derail individuals from God's mission. It is essential to remain steadfast, seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting that He will provide all that is needed. By identifying and overcoming these distractions, individuals can maintain their focus on God's priorities and ensure that their efforts contribute to His greater plan. This commitment requires vigilance and a willingness to let go of anything that hinders spiritual growth and mission fulfillment. [21:17]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that is hindering your focus on God's mission? How can you begin to set it aside today?
Day 5: Appropriating God's Power for His Priorities
To align with God's priorities, individuals must adopt His agenda, abandon distractions, and appropriate His power. This commitment enables a focus on what truly matters: reaching one more for Jesus. By relying on God's strength and guidance, individuals can overcome challenges and contribute to the fulfillment of His mission. This approach requires a deep trust in God's provision and a willingness to be used by Him for His purposes. [42:26]
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's power to align with His priorities? How can you begin to appropriate His strength today?
Quotes
Misplaced priorities often lead to discouragement, especially among church leaders. Many find themselves overwhelmed, focusing on minor issues rather than the significant tasks God has set before them. This misalignment can lead to fatigue and frustration, as the urgent often overshadows the ultimate. It's crucial to remember that not everything is worth doing, and God doesn't expect us to do it all. [00:02:59]
Jesus lived a purpose-driven life. Jesus' very first recorded words, the first recorded word spoken, was when he was only 12 years old. He's at the temple, and he said, "I must be about my Father's business." Even at that early age, as a pre-teen, he already knew his priorities and his purpose. [00:06:29]
The Apostle Paul is another example of being purpose-driven. In Acts chapter 20, verse 24, Paul says this: "I consider my life worth nothing, nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and finish the task that the Lord Jesus has given me." The task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. [00:07:36]
God's agenda is not an economic agenda. God's agenda is not an entertainment agenda. It's not a political agenda. God is not trying to save any particular group or even any particular nation. God is not a national God. God's agenda, listen, is what the Bible calls the kingdom of God. [00:10:16]
The kingdom of God is the major theme of Jesus' ministry. The word "kingdom" is used 157 times in the New Testament. Did you know that? Kingdom was Jesus' favorite description of what God is doing in the world. In fact, go and read all of Jesus' 38 parables. [00:11:52]
If you want God's blessing on your life, if you want God's power in your life, if you want God's anointing through your life, you must care about what God cares about most. And what does God care about most, more than anything else? He wants his lost children found. [00:12:56]
The secret of an effective life, as I told you, is one word: focus. Focus. Paul told the Corinthians in First Corinthians 7:35, "Do whatever will help you serve the Lord best with as few distractions as possible." In other words, you just can't tack on God's agenda to everything else you want to do in life. [00:20:13]
Seek ye first the kingdom of God. Seek ye first given and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. What are you seeking first in your life right now? Well, you say, how do I know what I'm seeking first? Real simple: look at how you spend your money, spend your time. [00:21:17]
The church that doesn't want to grow is saying to the world, "You can go to hell. We're all saved. We're happy. We don't care about you. We've got our own little problems, our own little politics, our own little controversies. The rest of you, you can just go to hell." [00:31:36]
If you want God's anointing on your life, you must care about what God cares about most: his agenda. He wants his lost children found. Many of you remember the story of my dad's dying words. My dad was a man with a mission. He was a pastor for 50 years who died of cancer. [00:40:01]
I invite you to make the rest of your life the best of your life by adopting God's agenda, abandoning all distractions, and appropriating God's power. It's the most important thing. Let's pray. Would you bow your heads with me? Father, I want to thank you. [00:48:22]
I want to be a kingdom builder. I want to help finish the task that you gave A.D. 33 and the Great Commission. Expand my heart, Lord. Just say, "Expand my heart, Lord, and give me a world vision. Bring revival in my life, in my family, in my body, in our church, in our world. Start it in me." [00:49:33]
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