Becoming Who God Wants Us to Be
Summary
In our journey through life, it's crucial to remember that God prioritizes who we are over what we do. Our character is of eternal significance, unlike our careers, possessions, or achievements, which are temporary and will not accompany us into eternity. The essence of our being, our character, is what truly matters and will last forever. Therefore, as we look ahead to the next decade, the most important question we should ask ourselves is not about what we want to have or achieve, but about who we want to become. Do we aspire to be men and women of God, mature in both emotion and spirit, or do we remain spiritual infants?
God's focus is on our transformation and growth. While we may be preoccupied with our goals and ambitions, God is more concerned with shaping our character. Our actions and accomplishments may impact a generation, but our character will have eternal implications. This perspective invites us to shift our focus from external achievements to internal growth, aligning our desires with God's purpose for our lives. As we work towards our goals, we should remain open to God's work within us, allowing Him to mold us into the individuals He intends us to be.
Key Takeaways:
1. Eternal Significance of Character: Our character is the only aspect of our lives that will endure into eternity. Unlike our possessions or achievements, which are temporary, our character is what we will take with us beyond this life. Therefore, nurturing and developing our character should be our primary focus. [00:10]
2. The Question of Becoming: As we plan for the future, the most important question is not about what we want to have or do, but about who we want to become. This shift in focus encourages us to prioritize personal growth and spiritual maturity over material success. [00:38]
3. Spiritual Maturity: We are called to grow into mature individuals, both emotionally and spiritually. This growth requires intentional effort and a willingness to let God work within us, transforming us into His likeness. [00:38]
4. God's Work in Us: While we pursue our goals, God is simultaneously working on our character. His desire is for us to become individuals who reflect His love and grace, impacting not just our generation but eternity. [00:59]
5. Aligning with God's Purpose: Our ambitions should align with God's purpose for our lives. By focusing on who we are becoming, we allow God to shape us according to His will, leading to a life of true fulfillment and eternal significance. [00:59]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Eternal Significance of Character
[00:23] - Temporary Nature of Possessions
[00:38] - The Question of Becoming
[00:59] - Spiritual Maturity and Growth
[01:10] - God's Work in Us
[01:23] - Aligning with God's Purpose
[01:38] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what is the one thing we take with us into eternity? [00:23]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between what we do and who we are? [00:59]
3. What does the sermon suggest is God's primary focus in our lives? [00:59]
4. What question does the sermon propose we should ask ourselves about our future? [00:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does 1 Samuel 16:7 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on character over external achievements?
2. In what ways does Romans 12:2 encourage us to focus on internal transformation rather than external conformity?
3. How might the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 serve as a guide for the kind of character God wants to develop in us?
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between our personal goals and God's work in us? [00:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current goals. How can you ensure they align with God's purpose for your life? [00:59]
2. Identify one area of your character that you feel God is calling you to develop. What steps can you take to nurture this growth?
3. Consider a recent decision you made. Was it influenced more by external success or internal character? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future?
4. How can you actively participate in God's work of transformation in your life this week? [00:59]
5. Think about a role model in your life who exemplifies spiritual maturity. What specific qualities do they possess that you can strive to emulate?
6. What practical steps can you take to focus more on who you are becoming rather than what you are achieving? [00:38]
7. How can you incorporate the fruit of the Spirit into your daily interactions with others?
Devotional
Day 1: Eternal Character Over Temporal Achievements
Our character is the only aspect of our lives that will endure into eternity. Unlike our possessions or achievements, which are temporary, our character is what we will take with us beyond this life. Therefore, nurturing and developing our character should be our primary focus. This perspective invites us to shift our focus from external achievements to internal growth, aligning our desires with God's purpose for our lives. As we work towards our goals, we should remain open to God's work within us, allowing Him to mold us into the individuals He intends us to be. [00:10]
"For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your character that you feel God is calling you to develop more deeply? How can you begin to focus on this today?
Day 2: Becoming Who God Intends
As we plan for the future, the most important question is not about what we want to have or do, but about who we want to become. This shift in focus encourages us to prioritize personal growth and spiritual maturity over material success. By focusing on who we are becoming, we allow God to shape us according to His will, leading to a life of true fulfillment and eternal significance. [00:38]
"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: Consider your current goals and ambitions. How can you align them more closely with the person God is calling you to become?
Day 3: Growing in Spiritual Maturity
We are called to grow into mature individuals, both emotionally and spiritually. This growth requires intentional effort and a willingness to let God work within us, transforming us into His likeness. Spiritual maturity is not a destination but a continuous journey of becoming more like Christ. It involves a deepening relationship with God and a commitment to living out His teachings in our daily lives. [00:38]
"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to grow in spiritual maturity and deepen your relationship with God?
Day 4: Embracing God's Transformative Work
While we pursue our goals, God is simultaneously working on our character. His desire is for us to become individuals who reflect His love and grace, impacting not just our generation but eternity. This requires us to be open to His transformative work in our lives, allowing Him to shape us into His likeness. By embracing this process, we can become vessels of His love and grace in the world. [00:59]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you be more open to God's transformative work in your life today?
Day 5: Aligning Ambitions with God's Purpose
Our ambitions should align with God's purpose for our lives. By focusing on who we are becoming, we allow God to shape us according to His will, leading to a life of true fulfillment and eternal significance. This alignment requires us to seek God's guidance in our decisions and to trust in His plan for our lives. As we align our ambitions with His purpose, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. [00:59]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you ensure that your ambitions and goals are aligned with God's purpose for your life? What changes might you need to make to achieve this alignment?
Quotes
"because God is more interested in what you are than what you do he's much more interested in your character and growing that than he is in your career cuz you're not taking your career to Heaven you're not taking your car to Heaven you're not taking your cash to Heaven you're not taking your China to Heaven you're not taking any your clothes to Heaven you are taking your character that's what's going to last that's why the most important question in the next 10 years is not what do I want to have and not even what do I want to do but the most important question is what do I want to be how do I want to be different 10 years from today do I want to be a man of God do I want to be a woman of God or a spiritual infant do I want to be a fully grown person mature in emotion and spirit yes and and God says what you do is is going to last a generation but who you are is going to last for eternity so while you're working on your goal God wants to work on you" [00:00:00]
Chatbot
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