Aligning with God's Divine Vision for Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the greatness of God, acknowledging His worthiness despite our circumstances. We sang "Great Are You, Lord," not because God has done everything we want, but because of who He is—His character, compassion, and capabilities. We were reminded that God is not limited by our setbacks or challenges. We came together to exchange our weaknesses for His strength, our thoughts for His thoughts, and our hopelessness for His hopefulness.
We delved into the concept of having a "just vision" for our lives, which is rooted in God's Word, revealed in prayer, and reinforced by the Spirit. A just vision is not merely a collection of our best ideas but a divine plan ordained by God. We explored the importance of fulfilling God's specific assignment for our lives, rather than just doing good works generically. This involves understanding that God had a plan for us even before we were formed.
We discussed the necessity of discovering our "domination zone," the area where we are meant to make a significant impact. This involves presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and not conforming to the world's standards. Instead, we should be transformed by the renewal of our minds to discern God's will, which is good, acceptable, and perfect.
We also touched on the importance of prioritizing people who are far from God and sharing Christ with them. This is a crucial part of our divine assignment. We were encouraged to engage with those who need Jesus the most, rather than staying within our comfort zones.
Finally, we were reminded that our employment is not necessarily our place of fulfillment but a conduit for God's provision. True fulfillment comes from aligning with God's assignment for our lives. We were urged to make sacrifices, avoid worldly influences, and continually renew our minds to stay in alignment with God's will.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Greatness is Independent of Our Circumstances: God's worthiness is not contingent on our life situations. He is great because of His inherent character, compassion, and capabilities. This understanding helps us to worship Him genuinely, even when life is challenging. [24:56]
2. A Just Vision is Divinely Ordained: A just vision is not just a collection of our best ideas but a divine plan that God has ordained for our lives. It is rooted in God's Word, revealed in prayer, and reinforced by the Spirit. This vision assures us that we are not mistakes and that God has a specific purpose for us. [31:44]
3. Discovering Your Domination Zone: God has created each of us to dominate a specific area and make a definitive difference. This involves presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and not conforming to the world's standards. Instead, we should be transformed by the renewal of our minds to discern God's will. [38:24]
4. Prioritizing Evangelism: One of the primary reasons God has left us on earth is to reach people who don't know Him. We should prioritize sharing Christ with those who are far from God, rather than staying within our comfort zones. This is a crucial part of our divine assignment. [35:49]
5. Employment vs. Divine Fulfillment: Our employment is not necessarily our place of fulfillment but a conduit for God's provision. True fulfillment comes from aligning with God's assignment for our lives. We should not confuse our job with our divine purpose. [48:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:56] - God's Greatness Despite Circumstances
[25:28] - Declaring God's Greatness
[26:08] - Exchanging Weakness for Strength
[27:33] - Personal Prayer and Reflection
[28:08] - God's Faithfulness Beyond Outcomes
[28:51] - Family and Fellowship
[29:29] - Honoring Elder Crawford
[30:16] - Sacrifice and Service
[30:45] - Just Vision Series Introduction
[31:44] - Understanding Just Vision
[32:49] - Good Works in the Bible
[33:53] - God's Preordained Plan
[34:50] - Discovering Your Domination Zone
[35:49] - Prioritizing Evangelism
[38:24] - Thriving vs. Surviving
[39:19] - Aligning with God's Assignment
[40:51] - Finding God's Will
[42:38] - God's Will Finds You
[44:30] - Living Sacrifice
[46:18] - Example of Domination Zone
[48:31] - Employment vs. Divine Fulfillment
[50:30] - Present, Prevent, Progress
[51:59] - Condemnation Without Christ
[53:27] - Sanctification Process
[54:52] - Doctrine to Duty
[56:25] - Presenting Your Body
[58:01] - Old Testament Sacrifices
[59:33] - Sacrifice in Walking with Christ
[01:01:29] - Characteristics of Sacrifice
[01:03:06] - Living and Holy Sacrifice
[01:04:52] - Audience of One
[01:06:41] - Commitment to Christ
[01:08:06] - Personal Commitment Stories
[01:10:30] - Compelling Indwelling
[01:11:46] - Preventing Worldly Influence
[01:13:08] - Influence of Society
[01:14:19] - Consuming and Conforming
[01:16:41] - Transformation and Renewal
[01:18:47] - Major Overhaul
[01:20:20] - Discernment and Recognition
[01:21:28] - God's Vision and Lenses
[01:22:13] - Advertising and Influence
[01:23:25] - Societal Influence on Men
[01:24:47] - Political Influence
[01:25:14] - Media Influence
[01:25:45] - Positioning for God's Will
[01:26:39] - Sacrifice and Prevention
[01:27:20] - Influences on Devotion
[01:28:00] - Bad Communication
[01:28:48] - Eradicating Hindrances
[01:29:28] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:30:05] - Trusting Christ and Serving
[01:30:45] - Building Relationships
[01:31:26] - Life Groups and Fellowship
[01:32:21] - Volunteer Gathering
[01:32:50] - Honoring Elder Crawford
[01:33:40] - Prayer and Support
[01:34:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1-2 (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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
2. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
3. Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:1-2, what are believers urged to present to God, and how should they avoid being conformed to the world?
2. In Ephesians 2:10, what does it say about the purpose for which we were created in Christ Jesus?
3. What does Jeremiah 1:5 reveal about God's knowledge and plans for us before we were born?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of a "just vision" and its importance in our lives? [31:44]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to present our bodies as a "living sacrifice" according to Romans 12:1-2, and how does this relate to discerning God's will? [40:51]
2. How can understanding that we are God's workmanship, created for good works, change our perspective on our daily activities and choices? [39:19]
3. How does the knowledge that God had a plan for us even before we were born, as stated in Jeremiah 1:5, impact our sense of purpose and direction in life? [33:53]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evangelism. How does this align with the idea of fulfilling God's specific assignment for our lives? [35:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life circumstances. How can you worship God genuinely, acknowledging His greatness despite any challenges you are facing? [24:56]
2. What steps can you take to discover and align with your "domination zone" where you can make a significant impact for God's kingdom? [38:24]
3. Think about your daily routine. How can you present yourself as a living sacrifice to God in practical ways? Are there specific habits or activities you need to change? [58:01]
4. Identify one person in your life who is far from God. What specific actions can you take this week to share Christ with them, stepping out of your comfort zone? [36:40]
5. How can you differentiate between your employment and your divine fulfillment? What changes might you need to make to ensure you are aligning with God's assignment for your life? [48:31]
6. Consider the influences in your life. Are there any worldly influences you need to prevent from shaping your values and decisions? How can you renew your mind daily to stay aligned with God's will? [50:30]
7. Reflect on the idea of making sacrifices for your faith. What is one specific sacrifice you can make this week to grow closer to God and fulfill His purpose for your life? [01:01:29]
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Greatness is Unchanging
Description:
God's greatness is not dependent on our circumstances. His worthiness is rooted in His inherent character, compassion, and capabilities. This understanding allows us to worship Him genuinely, even when life is challenging. We are reminded that God is not limited by our setbacks or challenges. Instead, we can exchange our weaknesses for His strength, our thoughts for His thoughts, and our hopelessness for His hopefulness. This perspective helps us to see beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the eternal nature of God's greatness. [24:56]
Bible passage:
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a current challenge or setback in your life. How can you shift your focus from the problem to God's unchanging greatness today?
### Day 2: Embracing a Just Vision
Description:
A just vision is not merely a collection of our best ideas but a divine plan ordained by God. It is rooted in God's Word, revealed in prayer, and reinforced by the Spirit. This vision assures us that we are not mistakes and that God has a specific purpose for us. Understanding and embracing this vision involves seeking God's guidance and being open to His direction, even when it diverges from our own plans. It requires a commitment to align our lives with God's will and to trust in His perfect plan for us. [31:44]
Bible passage:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection:
Spend time in prayer today asking God to reveal His just vision for your life. What steps can you take to align your daily actions with this divine plan?
### Day 3: Discovering Your Domination Zone
Description:
God has created each of us to dominate a specific area and make a definitive difference. This involves presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and not conforming to the world's standards. Instead, we should be transformed by the renewal of our minds to discern God's will. Discovering your domination zone means identifying the unique gifts and talents God has given you and using them to fulfill His purpose. It requires a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and to trust in God's guidance as you pursue your divine assignment. [38:24]
Bible passage:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to make a significant impact in your community or sphere of influence?
### Day 4: Prioritizing Evangelism
Description:
One of the primary reasons God has left us on earth is to reach people who don't know Him. We should prioritize sharing Christ with those who are far from God, rather than staying within our comfort zones. This is a crucial part of our divine assignment. Engaging with those who need Jesus the most requires intentionality and a heart for evangelism. It means stepping out in faith, building relationships, and sharing the hope of the gospel with others. [35:49]
Bible passage:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify one person in your life who is far from God. How can you intentionally reach out to them and share the love of Christ this week?
### Day 5: Employment vs. Divine Fulfillment
Description:
Our employment is not necessarily our place of fulfillment but a conduit for God's provision. True fulfillment comes from aligning with God's assignment for our lives. We should not confuse our job with our divine purpose. While our jobs provide for our physical needs, our true purpose is found in fulfilling God's specific assignment for us. This involves making sacrifices, avoiding worldly influences, and continually renewing our minds to stay in alignment with God's will. [48:31]
Bible passage:
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your current job. How can you see it as a conduit for God's provision while seeking true fulfillment in His divine assignment for your life?
Quotes
1. "In spite of our challenges God is worthy, amen. And so we sing that song Great are you, Lord. It doesn't mean he's been great because he's done everything you want him to do. He's great because of who he is, amen. And so, Father, we come together God, we just declare your greatness, oh God. We just come today, God, and say that, God, you are great, God. You're great, God, because of your awesomeness, God. You're great, God, because of your character, God. You're great, God, because of your capacity, Lord." [25:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, God, whether things are going bad or things are going good, Father, God, we come to you today, God, to exalt you, Father, to worship you, God. To be renewed by you, Father, to exchange our weakness for your strength, God. To exchange our thoughts for your thoughts, God. To exchange our will for your will, God. To exchange our hopelessness for your hopefulness, God. To exchange, God, our frailty, God, for your fullness, Lord. So, Father, we need you, Father. We cast our cares at your feet today, Lord, because you're able." [26:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The thesis for this overall series is that God doesn't just want you to have a vision, God wants you to have a just vision. A just vision is not just the amalgamation or the accumulation of your best thoughts, your best ideas, some things that you want to do, some things you want to try or attempt. But a just vision says that God has ordained a plan for your life. A just vision says that you are not a mistake and that God has you here on purpose and for a purpose." [31:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How many of y'all believe that God has a domination zone for your life? That God has created you to dominate a space. God has created you to make a definitive difference here on earth. God has created you to do what nobody else can do and that God didn't just make that up yesterday. God had that done before he even created you. So he says he formed you. He consecrated you. He has appointed you and that verse says he also protects you." [34:50] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How many of y'all want the abundant life today? How many of y'all really want the abundant life? How many of y'all really believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? How many of y'all believe that God don't make no junk? How many of y'all believe that God makes no junk? Now I want to get to Ephesians 2 10 where it says that you were created unto good works. That God has an assignment for your life. And to the degree that you are in alignment with God's assignment for your life, you will encounter victory, satisfaction, and fulfillment." [39:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The only way you're going to fulfill your assignment is to be in alignment with your assignment. But the question becomes, what is my assignment? The question becomes, what is God's vision for my life? The Bible says, without a vision, the people perish. But the question becomes, do you really understand God's vision for your life? Or are you just trying to piece different stuff together until something catch on? You're just throwing a bunch of stuff against the wall to see what sticks. God has a definitive vision for your life." [39:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How many of us are conforming societal influences? He says, be not conformed. To this world. In other words, boy, this world is trying to make an influence on you. The devil is trying to make an influence on you. Once the devil gets your worldview, he's got you. We're tracking together. The last word is progress. He says, do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed. This isn't this isn't minor change. This isn't a small adjustment. This is a major adjustment. This is not a minor update." [01:16:41] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How frequently are you refreshing your biblical mindset? How frequently are you updating renewal renewing and refreshing? How you think how frequently are you aligning your mind with God's mind? And watch this now that by testing you may discern what is the will of God here in this verse. The Greek term is dokimazo the term discern here is why I say stop looking for God. God's will but look for God. This is why I said stop trying to find God's will and God's will will find you dokimazo says that when you make this presentation and then you avoid confirmation." [01:20:20] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Nothing is neutral. Either it's pushing you towards God, or it's pushing you away from God. I know what y'all saying. Pastor didn't preach that. He was meddling. He was just meddling. He said, but he had to audacity even to slow down. He normally talking fast. He had the audacity to slow down today. I want you guys to hear me. I want you to position yourself to discern the will of God. So, will you present yourself to God as a bodily sacrifice? You're thinking of some stuff already that you ain't want to give up." [01:25:45] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, I want to encourage you guys to sign up for a life group. It'll be a sacrifice. But I promise you, it'll be worth it. Need to build a relationship before you need the relationship. The Bible says two are better than one. They have a greater return for their labor. Do you have people in your life who are fully committed to Jesus Christ, trying to go in the same direction you're trying to go in? We're going to do Hebrews 10, stimulate you towards love and good deeds. So, I want to encourage you to be part of a life group. Partners are going to help you in Christ." [01:31:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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