Awakening Your God-Given Gifts for His Mission
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a new series titled "Mission Possible," focusing on the themes of mission, gifting, and activation. The essence of this series is to awaken and activate the unique gifts that God has bestowed upon each of us. We are not just ordinary individuals; we are agents of the Kingdom of God, equipped with special abilities to fulfill the missions God has prepared for us. This series aims to help each one of us recognize and activate our God-given gifts, enabling us to live purposefully and impactfully.
Drawing inspiration from spy movies like "Mission Impossible," we explored the idea that, like the agents in these films, we are gifted individuals called to come together and use our unique abilities to accomplish a greater mission. The mission may seem impossible to the average person, but with God, all things are possible. We are reminded that we are not defined by our past mistakes or circumstances but are reborn and transformed to walk in the good works God has prepared for us.
Ephesians 2:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:20 remind us that we are God's workmanship and ambassadors for Christ, created for good works and equipped to fulfill our divine mission. We are encouraged to reject the lies of the enemy that try to diminish our purpose and instead embrace our identity as God's agents, ready to activate our gifts for the common good.
The urgency of this activation is underscored by the recognition that the culmination of all things is near. We are called to be sound-minded and self-controlled, focusing on prayer and the things of God. Our gifts are not just for us but are meant to bless others and advance the Kingdom of God. As we activate our gifts, we become specialists in every area of our lives, using our unique abilities to impact our families, communities, and the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Your Identity as God's Agent: We are not ordinary; we are agents of the Kingdom, equipped with unique gifts to fulfill God's mission. Our identity is not defined by our past or circumstances but by the purpose God has for us. [55:21]
- Activate Your Gifts for the Common Good: Each of us has been given a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, a unique gift meant to bless others. Our gifts are not just for personal benefit but for the common good, advancing God's Kingdom. [01:21:30]
- Reject the Lies of the Enemy: The enemy seeks to diminish our purpose by making us believe we are just a sum of our failures. We must reject these lies and embrace our identity as God's masterpiece, crafted for a divine mission. [01:00:05]
- Walk in Boldness and Authority: We are called to walk in our gifts with boldness and authority, knowing that God is with us. Our gifts empower us to be specialists in every area of our lives, impacting those around us. [01:41:16]
- The Urgency of Activation: The culmination of all things is near, and the Kingdom of God needs us now more than ever. We must activate our gifts and fulfill our mission, bringing God's power into a broken world. [01:16:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Introduction to Limitless Missionaries
- [03:00] - Pastor's Return and Core Value of Rest
- [06:00] - Building Update and Financial Milestones
- [10:00] - Call to Prayer and Support for New Building
- [12:00] - Introduction to New Series: Mission Possible
- [15:00] - The Concept of Activation
- [20:00] - Spy Movies and the Idea of Being Gifted
- [25:00] - Understanding Our Role as God's Agents
- [30:00] - Scriptural Foundation for Our Mission
- [35:00] - Rejecting the Lies of the Enemy
- [40:00] - The Urgency of Activation
- [45:00] - Embracing Our Gifts for the Common Good
- [50:00] - Walking in Boldness and Authority
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Mission Possible
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:20 - "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
3. 1 Peter 4:7-10 - "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what are we created for, and how does this relate to the concept of being God's agents? [55:21]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, what role are we given as believers, and how does this role connect to the idea of being activated for a mission? [55:21]
3. How does 1 Peter 4:7-10 describe the urgency of using our gifts, and what are the specific instructions given for how we should live? [01:12:10]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea of being a "sleeper agent" and the importance of activation? [01:00:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being God's workmanship in Ephesians 2:10 challenge the way we view our identity and purpose? [55:21]
2. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:20, and how might this influence our daily interactions with others? [55:21]
3. In what ways does 1 Peter 4:7-10 emphasize the importance of community and serving others with our gifts? How does this align with the sermon’s message about using our gifts for the common good? [01:12:10]
4. The sermon mentions rejecting the lies of the enemy. How can understanding our identity as God's agents help us combat these lies? [01:00:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your unique gifts. How can you begin to activate them in your daily life to fulfill the mission God has for you? [01:21:30]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of activation. What steps can you take this week to move from being a "sleeper agent" to an active participant in God's mission? [01:16:28]
3. Consider a past mistake or circumstance that has held you back. How can embracing your identity as God's masterpiece help you move forward with boldness and authority? [01:41:16]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you can use your gifts to serve others and advance God's Kingdom. What practical actions will you take to make this happen? [01:21:30]
5. The sermon encourages us to reject the lies of the enemy. What are some lies you have believed about your purpose, and how can you replace them with the truth of God's Word? [01:00:05]
6. How can you cultivate a sound mind and self-control to enhance your prayer life and focus on God's mission for you? [01:12:10]
7. Think of someone in your community or family who could benefit from your unique gifts. How will you reach out to them this week to offer support or encouragement? [01:21:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Identity
We are not ordinary individuals; we are agents of the Kingdom of God, equipped with unique gifts to fulfill God's mission. Our identity is not defined by our past mistakes or circumstances but by the purpose God has for us. This understanding calls us to embrace our identity as God's agents, recognizing that we are His workmanship, created for good works. As we accept this identity, we are empowered to live purposefully and impactfully, knowing that our lives are part of a greater mission. The world may try to label us based on our past, but God sees us as His masterpiece, crafted for a divine mission. [55:21]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What past labels or circumstances do you need to let go of to fully embrace your identity as God's agent today?
Day 2: Activate Your Gifts for the Common Good
Each of us has been given a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, a unique gift meant to bless others. Our gifts are not just for personal benefit but for the common good, advancing God's Kingdom. Recognizing and activating these gifts is crucial for fulfilling our divine mission. As we come together, using our unique abilities, we can accomplish greater things than we could alone. This activation is not just about personal growth but about contributing to the community and the world, bringing God's love and power to those around us. [01:21:30]
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gift has God given you, and how can you use it today to bless someone in your community?
Day 3: Reject the Lies of the Enemy
The enemy seeks to diminish our purpose by making us believe we are just a sum of our failures. We must reject these lies and embrace our identity as God's masterpiece, crafted for a divine mission. The enemy's lies can be subtle, often manifesting as self-doubt or fear, but we are called to stand firm in the truth of who we are in Christ. By rejecting these lies, we can walk confidently in our God-given purpose, knowing that we are equipped and empowered to fulfill the mission God has set before us. [01:00:05]
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: What lies have you believed about yourself that you need to reject today, and how can you replace them with God's truth?
Day 4: Walk in Boldness and Authority
We are called to walk in our gifts with boldness and authority, knowing that God is with us. Our gifts empower us to be specialists in every area of our lives, impacting those around us. This boldness is not arrogance but a confident assurance that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. As we step out in faith, using our gifts, we can make a significant impact in our families, communities, and the world, bringing God's love and truth to those who need it most. [01:41:16]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to step out in boldness and authority today, trusting that God is with you?
Day 5: The Urgency of Activation
The culmination of all things is near, and the Kingdom of God needs us now more than ever. We must activate our gifts and fulfill our mission, bringing God's power into a broken world. This urgency calls us to be sound-minded and self-controlled, focusing on prayer and the things of God. Our gifts are not just for us but are meant to bless others and advance the Kingdom of God. As we activate our gifts, we become specialists in every area of our lives, using our unique abilities to impact our families, communities, and the world. [01:16:28]
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers." (1 Peter 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to activate your gifts and fulfill your mission in advancing God's Kingdom?
Quotes
"We are starting a new series this month called Mission Possible. Okay? Mission Possible. It is a series on activation. Somebody say activation. Activation. This series is on mission, gifting, and activation. And my goal at the end of this series is to get you activated in the gift that God has given you." [00:50:20] (29 seconds)
"My favorite part of these movies was when the assets or the agents got activated, okay? We all know that iconic, they walk into the telephone booth or to the place, this is your mission should you choose to accept it, right? We all know that phrase. The other thing I love about the Mission Impossible is when we met the specialist." [00:51:51] (24 seconds)
"But to the agent or the person that has been activated, to those who have been gifted, to those who have chosen to accept and execute the mission, and once they come together using their gift, the mission actually is very possible, okay? So today, it is my mission that I have accepted to do a couple things, right?" [00:54:25] (22 seconds)
"We collectively have the gifts, the talents, and the abilities on the inside of us to defeat the enemy at every turn. But until we accept the activation that has been given to us and begin walking in those gifts, talents, and abilities, we're like sleeper agents." [00:59:24] (23 seconds)
"The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer. I'm a pause real quick. Be sound minded and self-controlled. Why? For the purpose of prayer. Sound mind, self-controlled. Why? For the purpose of your prayers." [01:12:47] (29 seconds)
"Now, we face a decision. Are we going to continue to let the enemy diminish our lives and steal our purpose and cloud our destiny? Thank you. Welcome to man. Thank you. Or will we wake up, activated by the Holy Spirit, to claim the promises that God has spoken over us?" [01:31:00] (21 seconds)
"Too long we have believed the lie that we are just the sum of our failures, our surroundings, and our circumstances. We are his masterpiece, crafted with intention and endowed with a mission that only we can fulfill. It is time to silence the lies and the excuses and wake up to the calling of our life." [01:32:28] (28 seconds)
"When God called you, he is the one who will empower you. He is the one who will show you. He is the one who will train you. He is the one who will walk you through. We got to get rid of the excuses. We got to get, well, what people going to say about me?" [01:33:57] (16 seconds)
"Because when you waste a day, it's a day that somebody hasn't been impacted and it's a day that somebody doesn't come to know Jesus, that somebody does not experience the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. And the enemy wins. No more. No more. You have been called. You have been commissioned. You have been activated." [01:34:14] (28 seconds)