Aligning Our Vision with God's Purpose for 2023
Summary
In this message, we explore the importance of aligning our vision with God's purpose as we step into a new year. The focus is on spiritual growth and transformation, emphasizing that our primary goal as believers is to become more like Jesus Christ. This involves a shift in perspective, moving from earthly concerns to a heavenly focus, and from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. We are reminded that the church's role is not to make us wealthy or politically savvy, but to help us conform to the image of Christ in our character, communication, and conduct.
As we enter a new year, it's crucial to reassess our spiritual vision. Just as an eye exam might reveal the need for a new prescription, we must be open to God's guidance in adjusting our spiritual outlook. This involves setting our minds on things above and seeking God's will for our lives. We are encouraged to participate in spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and discipleship, which help us grow and mature in our faith.
The message also highlights the dangers of spiritual stagnancy, characterized by dryness, unfulfilled potential, and broken relationships. To overcome this, we must draw closer to God, ensuring that our proximity to Him is strong and intimate. This closeness allows us to see God's relevance and power in our lives.
Furthermore, we are called to full dedication, not partial commitment. Our lives should reflect a complete devotion to Christ, recognizing that He is our life. This dedication is not just for personal growth but also for impacting others, helping them find eternity and grow in their faith.
Finally, we are reminded of the eternal perspective, looking forward to the future glory that awaits us. This hope motivates us to live faithfully, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that we will one day appear with Christ in glory.
Key Takeaways:
1. Aligning Vision with God's Purpose: As we enter a new year, it's essential to reassess our spiritual vision and align it with God's purpose. This involves setting our minds on heavenly things and seeking God's will for our lives, ensuring that our spiritual outlook is in line with His desires. [35:07]
2. Overcoming Spiritual Stagnancy: Spiritual stagnancy is marked by dryness and unfulfilled potential. To overcome this, we must draw closer to God, ensuring our proximity to Him is strong and intimate. This closeness allows us to see God's relevance and power in our lives. [44:39]
3. Full Dedication to Christ: Our lives should reflect complete devotion to Christ, recognizing that He is our life. This dedication is not just for personal growth but also for impacting others, helping them find eternity and grow in their faith. [01:18:15]
4. Embracing Eternal Perspective: We are reminded of the eternal perspective, looking forward to the future glory that awaits us. This hope motivates us to live faithfully, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that we will one day appear with Christ in glory. [01:30:32]
5. Spiritual Progress through Christ-Centeredness: Shifting our identity from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness is essential for true spiritual progress. Recognizing that our life is hidden with Christ empowers us to live victoriously, relying on His strength and provision. [01:11:42]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[32:05] - Fasting and Prayer Initiatives
[33:57] - Embracing New Opportunities
[35:07] - Translating Hope into Reality
[36:01] - Authentic Perspective of Hope
[37:14] - Vision Check for the New Year
[39:19] - Changing Vision for Victory
[40:30] - Overcoming Spiritual Stagnancy
[42:49] - Proximity to God
[44:39] - Intimacy with God
[45:50] - Contentment in Christ
[46:46] - Living with Heaven in View
[47:57] - Treadmill Spirituality
[51:10] - Renewing Your Mind
[52:22] - Supremacy of Christ
[54:29] - Embracing New Life in Christ
[01:00:50] - Shifting Focus to Eternal Priorities
[01:11:42] - Christ-Centered Identity
[01:18:15] - Full Dedication to Christ
[01:30:32] - Motivated by Eternity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-4
- Romans 12:1-2
- Isaiah 55:8-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 3:1-4, what are believers encouraged to focus their minds on, and why is this important for spiritual growth? [52:22]
2. In Romans 12:1-2, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual transformation? [51:10]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in helping believers conform to the image of Christ? [33:57]
4. What are some signs of spiritual stagnancy mentioned in the sermon, and how can they affect a believer's relationship with God? [45:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does setting our minds on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:1-4, change our daily priorities and decisions? [52:22]
2. What does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice according to Romans 12:1-2, and how can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [51:10]
3. The sermon emphasizes a shift from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. How does this shift impact a believer's identity and actions? [01:11:42]
4. How can believers overcome spiritual stagnancy and dryness, and what role does intimacy with God play in this process? [44:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual vision. Are there areas where you need to realign your focus with God's purpose? What steps can you take to make this shift? [37:14]
2. Consider the spiritual disciplines of fasting and prayer mentioned in the sermon. How can you incorporate these practices into your routine to enhance your spiritual growth? [32:05]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. What practical actions can you take to draw closer to God and renew your spiritual vitality? [45:50]
4. The sermon calls for full dedication to Christ. What are some areas in your life where you might be holding back from complete devotion? How can you commit more fully to Christ this year? [01:18:15]
5. How does having an eternal perspective influence the way you handle present struggles and challenges? What can you do to keep this perspective at the forefront of your mind? [01:30:32]
6. Think about a person in your life who could benefit from spiritual encouragement. How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual journey this week? [01:29:19]
7. Reflect on the concept of spiritual junk food mentioned in the sermon. Are there any habits or influences in your life that are hindering your spiritual growth? How can you replace them with healthier spiritual practices? [01:08:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Vision with God's Purpose
As we step into a new year, it is crucial to reassess our spiritual vision and ensure it aligns with God's purpose. This involves a conscious effort to shift our focus from earthly concerns to a heavenly perspective. By setting our minds on things above, we open ourselves to God's guidance and His will for our lives. This alignment is not just about personal growth but about living a life that reflects God's desires and purposes. Engaging in spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and discipleship can help us adjust our spiritual outlook and grow in our faith. [35:07]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What specific earthly concern is currently dominating your thoughts, and how can you intentionally shift your focus to align with God's heavenly perspective today?
Day 2: Overcoming Spiritual Stagnancy
Spiritual stagnancy is a state marked by dryness, unfulfilled potential, and broken relationships. To overcome this, it is essential to draw closer to God, ensuring that our relationship with Him is strong and intimate. This closeness allows us to experience God's relevance and power in our lives, transforming our spiritual dryness into a vibrant and fulfilling journey. By seeking intimacy with God, we can break free from stagnancy and move towards a life of spiritual vitality and growth. [44:39]
Isaiah 44:3 (ESV): "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."
Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life that feels dry or stagnant. What practical step can you take today to draw closer to God and invite His refreshing presence into that area?
Day 3: Full Dedication to Christ
Our lives should reflect a complete devotion to Christ, recognizing that He is our life. This dedication goes beyond personal growth; it is about impacting others and helping them find eternity and grow in their faith. Full dedication requires a shift from partial commitment to wholehearted devotion, where every aspect of our lives is surrendered to Christ. By living a life fully dedicated to Him, we become vessels of His love and grace, influencing those around us for His kingdom. [01:18:15]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding back from fully dedicating to Christ? What specific action can you take today to surrender that area to Him?
Day 4: Embracing Eternal Perspective
We are reminded of the eternal perspective, looking forward to the future glory that awaits us. This hope motivates us to live faithfully, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that we will one day appear with Christ in glory. Embracing an eternal perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with hope and perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize. By focusing on eternity, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [01:30:32]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the eternal perspective in the midst of a current struggle or challenge? What practical step can you take today to focus on the unseen and eternal?
Day 5: Spiritual Progress through Christ-Centeredness
Shifting our identity from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness is essential for true spiritual progress. Recognizing that our life is hidden with Christ empowers us to live victoriously, relying on His strength and provision. This shift involves a transformation in how we view ourselves and our purpose, moving from a self-focused existence to one that is centered on Christ and His mission. By embracing a Christ-centered identity, we can experience spiritual growth and maturity, living a life that reflects His love and grace. [01:11:42]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently living a self-centered life? What specific change can you make today to shift towards a Christ-centered identity and rely more on His strength?
Quotes
You know, you would think today that the church's role is to help you become a millionaire. That's not our job. Our job is not to straighten out politics. Our job is not to straighten out the government. Our job is to help you look just like Jesus Christ. [00:33:42] (15 seconds)
And so we want to stay focused on the main thing. Amen? To become conformed to his image. Now it does have some implications and let our light so shine before men. They see our good works and glorify. Father in heaven. But the primary thing is that we emulate Christ in our character, our communication, our conduct. [00:33:57] (17 seconds)
I want to do a vision check over the next couple of weeks, and I want to say, you know what? God does want you to search. God does want you to grow in him. God does want you to mature. God has created you for abundance. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all you can ask, think, or imagine. [00:40:30] (18 seconds)
See, many of us think that God is small because our proximity to God is too far away. See, when you don't have close intimacy with God, you think God is irrelevant. When you're not intimate and close with God and walking with God and studying God's word, you feel like God is totally irrelevant. [00:44:39] (18 seconds)
Spiritual stagnancy is characterized by spiritual dryness. It's characterized by unfulfilled potential. It's characterized by increased frustration and anxiety. When you have learned to be a Christian, you're going to be a Christian. You're going to be a Christian. Long-term frustration and anxiety, it's an indication of your lack of intimacy with God. [00:45:50] (19 seconds)
The reality is unless you are getting yourself into the word of God and the power of the spirit of God, you're not going to make spiritual progress and In Romans chapter 12, verse 1, he says, I beseech you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable one to God, which is your reasonable service. [00:51:10] (22 seconds)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on the things on earth. Well, man, well, well, well, pastor, I mean, I live on earth. I shouldn't think about earthly things. Verse 2, he says here, he says, set your mind. This word set here in the Greek is not a suggestion. It comes in the imperative. The imperative means it's a command. It's not optional. [01:01:10] (23 seconds)
The key idea is to recognize that your life is hidden with Christ. Shifting your identity from self-centered to Christ-centeredness is essential for true spiritual progress. You know, I wanted to be a muscle man. I did. But it's just some of my genes. It just don't happen. [01:11:42] (22 seconds)
The fourth shift is from partial commitment to full dedication. He says in verse 4, but this is the power verse right here. He says in verse 4, y 'all still with me? He says in verse 4, he says, when Christ who is your life, that's frustrating. Because the thing is, we don't want to make Christ our life. [01:18:15] (27 seconds)
How many of you are looking? How many of you are looking forward to glory one day? Boy, this is not the best life. Eternal life is the best life. If you get everything now, be concerned about where you're going. Then you also will appear with him in glory. I'm looking forward to glory. [01:31:13] (24 seconds)
How do you shift your vision for spiritual victory? Shift from death to life. Shift from an earthly focus to a heavenly perspective. Shift from self to Christ. Shift from partial commitment to full dedication. And shift from present struggles to future glory. I want to see you guys surge this year. [01:31:47] (28 seconds)
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