Beyond the Walls - Sept 14th 2025 - Fineke Janssen

God has uniquely crafted each of us, preparing good works for us to walk in—works that are not distant or reserved for a select few, but meant for today and for every believer. The invitation to participate in God’s purposes is as personal as a wedding invitation, extended to each of us by name. Yet, many of us struggle to recognize or respond to this call, sometimes waiting for a grand assignment while overlooking the simple, daily opportunities to serve. The parables of Jesus remind us that preparation is essential: just as a wedding feast requires readiness, so too does our walk with God. We are called not only to accept the invitation but to come clothed in the newness Christ provides, putting off old habits and mindsets so we can be truly present and available for His purposes.

Serving God is not always about visible or celebrated roles; often, it is found in humble acts—cleaning a restroom, offering a smile, or speaking a kind word to a stranger. These small acts, though seemingly insignificant, are the training ground for greater responsibilities. God values faithfulness in the little things, and it is through these that our spiritual muscles are strengthened. Sometimes, the Lord’s call is as simple as reaching out to someone in need, sharing a meal, or offering a prayer. The key is obedience, not the scale of the task.

Preparation also means tending to our spiritual lives—keeping our lamps filled with oil, as in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. This comes through regular fellowship with God, time in His Word, and a willingness to be renewed daily. We must resist the distractions and busyness that keep us from hearing God’s voice and responding to His promptings. Each of us is uniquely positioned to reach people and accomplish tasks that no one else can. Our faithfulness, even in the smallest things, can have far-reaching impact, often beyond what we will ever see in this life.

Ultimately, God’s call is not about earning favor or recognition, but about loving and serving Jesus. When we answer His call, we bless others, the church, and ourselves, stepping into the fullness of the life He has prepared for us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God has prepared specific good works for each of us, not just for the future but for today. Recognizing and walking in these works requires a willingness to say “yes” to God’s invitation, even when the tasks seem small or ordinary. Our obedience in the present moment is what matters most, not waiting for a grand calling to be revealed. [01:22]
• 2. Faithfulness in small things is the foundation for greater responsibility in God’s kingdom. When we serve in unnoticed ways—like cleaning a restroom or offering a kind word—we are practicing the humility and love that Christ values. These acts are not about earning recognition but about cultivating a heart that is ready for whatever God asks next. [10:37]
• 3. True preparation involves putting off old habits and mindsets, and being clothed in the newness of Christ. This means daily renewal, letting go of entitlement or past failures, and allowing God to equip us for His purposes. God does not remember our past mistakes when we come to Him; He calls us to move forward in His grace and righteousness. [18:40]
• 4. Staying spiritually prepared requires intentional time with God—keeping our “lamps filled with oil.” This is not a one-time event but a continual process of seeking God, reading His Word, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Busyness and distraction can rob us of this preparation, so we must prioritize our relationship with God above all else. [25:49]
• 5. Our unique calling means there are people and tasks only we can reach or accomplish. Even if our efforts seem unnoticed or fruitless, like Mr. Gennor’s faithful tract distribution, God uses our obedience in ways we may never see. The impact of our faithfulness can ripple through generations, reminding us that we serve not for results, but out of love for Jesus. [33:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:23] - Are You Prepared?
• [00:49] - God’s Workmanship and Good Works
• [02:00] - The Parable of the Wedding Feast
• [03:51] - The Personal Invitation
• [05:45] - Serving in Everyday Life
• [07:47] - Baby Steps in Obedience
• [09:10] - The Call to Humble Service
• [11:53] - Faithfulness in Small Things
• [13:46] - The Wedding Garment: Heart Preparation
• [15:31] - God’s Grace and Forgetfulness
• [17:56] - Hearing God’s Voice
• [18:40] - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
• [20:26] - Breaking Old Habits
• [22:51] - The Power of Small Acts
• [23:37] - The Parable of the Ten Virgins
• [25:49] - Keeping Our Lamps Filled
• [28:01] - Unique Callings and Responsibilities
• [30:05] - Prayer and Everyday Faithfulness
• [31:17] - The Story of Mr. Gennor
• [33:08] - The Impact of Faithful Obedience
• [34:04] - Responding to God’s Call in the Present
• [34:52] - Serving Jesus in All Things
• [35:45] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

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.

- Matthew 22:1-14 (ESV) (Parable of the Wedding Feast)

- Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV) (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean that we are God’s workmanship, and what has He prepared for us?
2. In the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14), what was required of the guests besides just showing up?
3. What happened to the virgins who did not bring oil for their lamps in Matthew 25:1-13?
4. The sermon gave examples of “good works” that might seem small or ordinary. What were some of these examples? ([10:37])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says God’s invitation is personal, like a wedding invitation. Why is it important to see God’s call as something for you, not just for “special” Christians? ([03:51])
2. Why do you think Jesus used the image of a wedding garment in Matthew 22? What does it mean to be “clothed in the newness Christ provides”? ([13:46])
3. The parable of the ten virgins highlights the need for preparation. What does it look like, practically, to “keep your lamp filled with oil” in your daily life? ([25:49])
4. The story of Mr. Gennor shows someone serving in a way that seemed unnoticed. What does this teach us about the results of our obedience and faithfulness? ([33:08])

Application Questions

1. The sermon said many people wait for a “grand assignment” from God and miss the small, daily opportunities to serve. Can you think of a recent moment when you overlooked a simple way to serve? What could you do differently next time? ([07:47])
2. Are there “small things” in your life—like cleaning, offering a smile, or a kind word—that you tend to see as unimportant? How might God be inviting you to see these as valuable acts of service? ([10:37])
3. The parable of the wedding garment is about putting off old habits and mindsets. Is there a specific habit or attitude you sense God asking you to “put off” so you can be more available for His purposes? ([18:40])
4. The sermon mentioned that busyness and distraction can keep us from hearing God’s voice. What is one practical step you can take this week to make more space for time with God? ([25:49])
5. Each of us is uniquely positioned to reach people that no one else can. Who is someone in your life that you feel God might be calling you to reach out to, even in a small way? ([28:01])
6. The story of Mr. Gennor reminds us that we may never see the results of our faithfulness. How does this challenge or encourage you in the way you serve others? ([33:08])
7. The sermon said, “When we answer His call, we bless others, the church, and ourselves.” What is one area where you want to say “yes” to God’s invitation this week, even if it feels small or unseen? ([34:52])