Chosen for More: Called to a Higher Level

Devotional

Day 1: Chosen to proclaim God's marvelous deeds to others.

You have been set apart—not for personal glory but to declare the excellencies of God to a world that needs light. This identity calls for a visible life of praise, testimony, and faithful proclamation so others can see the goodness that rescued you from darkness and step into that same light. [48:19]

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your neighborhood, workplace, or family that needs to see God’s light through you this week, and what specific word or action will you take to proclaim His excellency to them in the next three days?

Day 2: Called with a holy purpose beyond personal merit.

Salvation is not merely rescue from sin but an invitation into a holy calling that requires a life set apart. This calling is rooted in God’s purpose and grace—not your achievement—so respond by surrendering routines, renewing commitments, and living intentionally for the purpose God placed you in. [49:56]

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (2 Timothy 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one habitual choice or comfort you’ve been holding onto that hinders consecration; what practical step will you take today to begin surrendering it to align with God’s holy calling?

Day 3: Run your race to win an eternal prize.

Faithfulness as a follower of Jesus is disciplined and purposeful—like an athlete who trains daily—not casual or seasonal. Every day matters because souls and eternity hang in the balance; press into spiritual disciplines, self-control, and perseverance so that your life competes for the imperishable crown that impacts generations. [57:21]

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:24–25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline (prayer, Scripture, service, evangelism) you will add or strengthen this week, and what is one measurable way you will practice it daily for the next seven days?

Day 4: We are sent to carry the good news to the lost.

Salvation flows through sent people; hearing follows preaching, and preaching requires feet that go. The church’s gifts and new spaces are not ends but means to advance the gospel—so embrace the call to go, to speak, and to welcome the lost with love, knowing your yes sends someone into the presence of God. [01:11:52]

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:13–15, ESV)

Reflection: Who will you intentionally invite or go to this week to share the gospel or personally invite to church, and what will you say or do to make that invitation specific and timely?

Day 5: No days off—be ready for divine encounters daily.

Living as God’s people means continual readiness; there are no casual Sundays or “off” moments when eternity isn’t at stake. Keep your heart tuned to the Spirit, ready to speak, pray, and act when God prompts—because the next conversation, handshake, or hello could be the very moment someone meets Jesus. [53:29]

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one concrete habit you will adopt this week to stay spiritually alert (e.g., brief morning prayer, Scripture reminder, asking God for one person to pray for each day), and when will you do it each day?

Sermon Summary

I celebrated what God has done among us and why He did it so swiftly. The building across the street, the finances, the people—none of it is random. God doesn’t waste time or resources. When He provides quickly and abundantly, it’s because He’s calling us higher. Victories aren’t finish lines; they’re invitations to the next level. Like a video game, the “win” simply unlocks a harder level. We get to play at a higher level now—one marked by consecration, deeper prayer, greater unity, and bolder witness.

Scripture grounds this call. We are a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9) set apart to proclaim God’s excellencies; saved and called with a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9), not because we earned it, but because of His purpose and grace. That means identity carries responsibility. “What got us here won’t get us there.” The next season requires a fresh surrender—deeper devotion, disciplined lives, and readiness to act. Athletes train for a fading crown; we labor for an imperishable one. That’s why there are no days off in this life of faith. Someone’s eternity is always on the line, and we never know when our ordinary moment becomes God’s appointed moment.

I warned us about complacency with a story: a once-vibrant church that birthed missionaries and movements is now a pizzeria. At some point they stopped pressing against the status quo and became it. We can’t let that be our story. Our goal is not bigger buildings or more services—our aim is transformed lives. Salvations, recommitments, restored marriages, baptisms, prodigals coming home. The new building is not a trophy case—it’s a launchpad. As people walk in with opinions, hurts, and history, we will determine their encounter: love, unity, joy, kindness, and the power of the Spirit.

So what now? Level up. Surrender your time, talent, and fear. Invite boldly. Share the gospel clearly. Seek God in secret until His presence marks every part of your life. Romans 10 reminds us: people can’t believe unless they hear, and they won’t hear unless someone goes. We are those sent ones—in this city, in this moment—for God’s glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Provision is a summons higher God provided people, resources, and place with unusual speed because He is moving us into a higher assignment. He never wastes time or resources; accelerated provision signals urgent purpose. Our response is consecration, not comfort—stewarding the gift by stepping into the responsibility it implies. [44:58]
2. What got you here won’t get you there Past victories require fresh disciplines. The habits that carried you to one milestone rarely carry you to the next. God invites you to deeper prayer, holiness, and perseverance—and He will equip you for what He calls you to. Choose to lean in rather than settle. [51:54]
3. Live like eternity is at stake Athletes train relentlessly for a perishable crown; we run for an imperishable one. There are no spiritual “days off” because someone’s forever may hinge on your ordinary obedience today. Stay ready for nudges of the Spirit in everyday moments—be interruptible, attentive, and courageous. [57:21]
4. We’re not building a church museum Our aim isn’t optics or accolades; it’s salvations and transformed lives. The cautionary tale of a church that became a pizzeria warns us: when we stop contending, we calcify. This new building is a starting gate for mission, not a lounge for comfort. [58:31]
5. Sent people carry the good news Romans 10 moves us from “amen” to action—how will they hear unless someone goes? Availability is our first ministry: feet that move, mouths that speak, lives that demonstrate grace. Be the beautiful feet that bring good news where God has placed you. [70:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:02] - December at Limitless: Key Dates
[36:40] - Launching Live Spanish Translation
[40:03] - Why God’s Provision Came Quickly
[44:58] - Called To A Higher Level
[47:41] - Identity And Purpose: 1 Peter 2:9
[51:54] - What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
[55:44] - Run To Win: No Days Off
[58:31] - End Goal: Salvations, Not Accolades
[63:44] - John’s Pizza: A Warning Against Complacency
[67:36] - Guarding Against Arrival Mentality
[68:34] - Level Up: Surrender Time, Talent, Fear
[70:13] - Sent To Speak: Romans 10
[76:39] - Salvation, Prayer, And Recommitment Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading (ESV)
- 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

- 2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

Observation questions (3–4)

In 1 Peter 2:9 the people of God are described with four titles (chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, people for his possession). Which of those titles stood out to you and why? ([47:41])
The pastor asked why God provided the building, people, and resources so quickly and concluded that such provision calls the church to a higher level. What concrete reasons did he give for interpreting accelerated provision as a summons, not a trophy? ([44:58])
The sermon used the example of athletes who return to training the day after a win to illustrate spiritual discipline. What differences did the pastor draw between athletic crowns and the believer’s reward? ([55:44])
The pastor told the John’s Pizza story as a warning against becoming the status quo. What signs did he point out that show a church has “stopped pressing” and become complacent? ([01:03:44])

Interpretation questions (3–4)

How should the group understand the link between being “chosen” and the command to “proclaim the excellencies” in 1 Peter 2:9? In other words, does identity automatically produce mission, or does mission shape identity? ([47:41])
The phrase “called to a holy calling” in 2 Timothy 1:9 emphasizes purpose given by grace. What practical differences follow if a church sees its calling as earned by effort versus given by God’s grace? ([48:19])
When the pastor said “what got you here won’t get you there,” he tied it to deeper prayer, consecration, and new disciplines. What kinds of new spiritual practices might be required for a church to move into a higher season? ([51:54])
The sermon asserts that “there are no days off” because someone’s eternity may hinge on ordinary obedience. How should a church balance rest (Sabbath, renewal) with the call to constant readiness? ([57:21])

Application questions (5–7)

The pastor challenged people to “level up” by surrendering time, talent, and fear. Name one time commitment and one talent you could realistically surrender to the church this month. What is one specific step you will take this week to start? ([01:08:34])
The sermon calls for bold invitations and gospel conversations. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What is one concrete sentence you will use to invite them to church or to share the gospel in the next two weeks? ([01:10:39])
He warned against complacency with the John’s Pizza example. What is one habit or comfort in your personal faith that could lead to complacency? What will you change this month to push against that drift? ([01:03:44])
The pastor said accelerated provision demands consecration, not comfort. In light of that, how will you manage a financial or material blessing so it becomes a tool for mission rather than for comfort? Give a specific plan (percentage to give, a ministry to fund, volunteering to start). ([44:58])
“No days off” was used to emphasize being ready for Spirit nudges in ordinary moments. Pick a typical day this week and write down two ordinary opportunities (a neighbor, a coworker, a family member) where you could be “interruptible” and ready to pray, listen, or speak hope. Commit to executing at least one. ([57:21])
The church’s goal was stated as transformed lives (salvations, recommitments, baptisms). What is one practical way your small group can help create an environment that leads newcomers to transformation when they visit the new building? Be specific (greeting plan, follow-up, prayer team, host role). ([01:09:29])
The sermon emphasized deeper prayer and holiness. What is one measurable spiritual habit you will adopt for the next 30 days to pursue that deeper place (daily quiet time length, prayer partner twice weekly, scripture memory, fasting plan)? How will you report back to this group next meeting? ([51:54])

Sermon Clips

There's a reason that he set you apart. There's a reason that he consecrated you. There's a reason that you have been chosen to proclaim the deeds of him who called you out of darkness into the marvelous light. Second Timothy chapter 1 in verse 9. Verse 9 says, for he delivered us and saved us and called us. Delivered us, saved us, and called us with a holy calling. That word holy, it means set apart. He called us with a holy calling, a calling that leads to a consecrated life, a life set apart, a life of purpose. [00:48:05] (66 seconds) #CalledAndSetApart

Everything that you did to get to this point is not going to get you to the next point. Everything you did to get here is not enough to get you to where you're trying to go. So if you want to reach the next level, there's a deeper level that you have to lean into. You're being called to a deeper place. You're being called to lean in at a deeper level. This requires a deeper level of prayer. This requires a deeper level of a set apartness. This requires a deeper level of consecration. [00:51:54] (48 seconds) #GoDeeperInFaith

Every day that we put our foot on the ground, every day that our feet make it to the floor, eternity for someone is on the line. This is why this matters. This is why your lifestyle matters. This is why the level that he's calling you to matters. The higher level of consecration, the higher level of relationship, the higher level of him matters. Why? Because somebody's eternity is on the line. No days off. You don't get the luxury of just taking your Jesus off and leaving it on the couch and picking it up on Monday. [00:57:03] (47 seconds) #EternityOnTheLine

Our end goal isn't more buildings, it isn't more people, it isn't more services. Ultimate end goal here at Limitless is more salvations, more transformations, because we want to see revival in the lives and in the homes of the people in this city and the surrounding cities. Our end goal isn't to have accolades and to have people look at our church and, oh, look at their church and look at what they did. No, no, no, no, no. If you live for their approval, you'll die for their acceptance. [00:58:37] (47 seconds) #SalvationsNotStructures

``We want God to look down and say, well done, my good and faithful servant. That is all we're looking for. And that happens through life transformation. That happens through people having an opportunity to come to the knowledge of who Jesus is. We have been placed here for such a time as this to bring glory to God. But we have to be a people that is full of faith. We have to be a people that is full of resolve with a yes in our spirit to do whatever the Lord has asked us to do. [00:59:28] (39 seconds) #WellDoneFaithful

Five years we have been a church strong. And we are walking into this building. Walking into this landmark of this city. Not for our purposes. Not for our comfortability. But for the glory of God. For the glory of God. We have leveled up from a renting, a performance arts center to now being here. But the real upgrade was never about brick and mortar buildings. The real upgrade has always been the lives and the life-changing moments that happen in the lives of the people in this building. [01:06:39] (57 seconds) #LivesNotBuildings

In this new season, complacency will be our greatest enemy. Because it will be very easy for us to say, oh, we have done it. We have arrived. Let's sit back, relax, and enjoy. But God's word says, no. We are called to more. More prayer that shakes heaven at its core. More evangelism that rescues the loss in our city and in our families. And more holiness that reflects the God that we serve. [01:07:36] (44 seconds) #CalledToMore

This building next door is not a finish line. It is a starting gate for greater impact. In three Sundays, we step into this new home. But today, the call is for us to level up. Today, the call is for us to answer the call to go higher. If you've been holding back, now is the time to surrender it all. Now is the time to surrender your time, to surrender your talents, to surrender your fears. [01:08:21] (36 seconds) #LevelUpForKingdom

Invite that person to church. Share the gospel with boldness. Pursue God in the secret places until he radiates in every place in your life. We are not just moving into a building. We are advancing his kingdom. Chosen for more means living for more. Not things. Eternity. More souls. More salvations. More recommitments. More marriages restored. More baptisms. More families coming back together. More people coming in contact with the love of God. Changing them in a way that they never thought possible. [01:08:57] (53 seconds) #ChosenForMore

How will they know if you never go? Hear if you never speak. Will they see the goodness of God, the grace of God, the love of God if you never show it? How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news. The good news that there's a God that loves them. The good news that they're never too far off from him. The good news that there's a God that wants to be in relationship with them. [01:10:49] (49 seconds) #BringTheGoodNews

The good news that eternity with God is available for them. The good news that they don't have to be bound in whatever they are bound in. Because the word says whom the son sets free is free indeed. Seek the good news that God sent his son Jesus to die. So that they could have an opportunity to be in relationship with him. We are being called. The question is, will we answer them? [01:11:38] (40 seconds) #SetFreeInChrist

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