Discovering Our Purpose: Glorifying God in Everyday Life
Summary
In our new series, "Glory in the Highest," we explore the profound purpose that Jesus brings into our lives. Just as His arrival over 2,000 years ago gave purpose to many, His presence today continues to reveal the unique purpose for which each of us was created. You are not a mere accident of nature; you are the product of intelligent design by a Creator who delights in you and has a specific purpose for your life. As we delve into the Word, we seek to uncover more about this purpose and how we can glorify God in our lives.
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 serves as a powerful illustration of God's intention to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. The shepherds, considered lowly and insignificant by societal standards, were chosen to be the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth and to become the first preachers of the gospel. This signifies a shift in how God operates, using everyday people to fulfill roles of spiritual significance. As believers, we are called to be living stones and holy priests, offering spiritual sacrifices that please God. Our collective glory is to minister to Him through worship, using the psalmic expressions outlined in the book of Psalms.
However, our worship is not limited to Sundays. We are also called to give God glory in our daily lives. The Hebrew word "kavod," meaning weight or glory, reminds us that our unique gifts and abilities are meant to reflect God's nature to the world. Whether in business, athletics, or simply loving others, we are to bring the fullness of our God-given uniqueness to serve others, thereby glorifying God. Solomon's story in Ecclesiastes teaches us that ultimate fulfillment comes not from worldly pursuits but from worshiping God and keeping His commandments.
In conclusion, our purpose and fulfillment are found in giving God the highest glory in our lives. By seeking His kingdom first, we align ourselves with His will and experience the peace, joy, and direction that only He can provide. Let us commit to making God the highest and greatest in our lives, giving Him our absolute best.
Key Takeaways:
1. Purpose in Christ: Jesus' presence in our lives reveals our unique purpose, affirming that we are not accidents but creations of a loving God with a specific plan for us. Embracing this purpose brings meaning and direction to our lives. [01:20]
2. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles: The shepherds' story illustrates God's use of ordinary people for significant spiritual roles, emphasizing that our value is not determined by societal standards but by God's calling. [07:31]
3. Collective Worship: As living stones and holy priests, we are called to minister to God through worship, using the psalmic expressions outlined in the Psalms. Our worship should be passionate and wholehearted, reflecting our gratitude for His grace. [13:01]
4. Unique Glory: Our God-given gifts and abilities are meant to reflect God's nature to the world. By bringing our full measure of uniqueness to serve others, we glorify God and fulfill our purpose. [22:35]
5. True Fulfillment: Solomon's quest for fulfillment teaches us that true satisfaction comes from worshiping God and keeping His commandments, not from worldly pursuits. By prioritizing God, we find peace, joy, and purpose. [28:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:20] - Discovering Purpose in Christ
- [03:39] - Christmas Traditions and Music
- [07:31] - Shepherds: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles
- [10:40] - Our Role as Priests
- [13:01] - Expressions of Worship
- [14:35] - Heartfelt Worship
- [18:02] - Preparing for Worship
- [21:06] - Unique Glory and Kavod
- [22:35] - Reflecting God's Nature
- [24:59] - Worship and the First Commandment
- [26:20] - Solomon's Quest for Fulfillment
- [28:14] - True Fulfillment in Worship
- [30:16] - Personal Testimony and God's Goodness
- [32:37] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Glory in the Highest"
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-20
- 1 Peter 2:5
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2:8-20, why do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds first, and what was their reaction to the news of Jesus' birth? [07:31]
2. According to 1 Peter 2:5, what roles are believers described as having, and how do these roles relate to the concept of worship? [10:40]
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Hebrew word "kavod" in relation to our daily lives and worship? [21:06]
4. What does Solomon's story in Ecclesiastes teach us about the pursuit of fulfillment and satisfaction? [28:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the significance of God choosing ordinary shepherds to be the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth, and how does this reflect God's approach to using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? [07:31]
2. How does the concept of being "living stones" and "holy priests" in 1 Peter 2:5 challenge our understanding of worship and our role in the church community? [10:40]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our unique gifts and abilities can reflect God's nature to the world, and how does this relate to the idea of "kavod"? [21:06]
4. How does Solomon's conclusion in Ecclesiastes about the meaning of life and fulfillment challenge modern pursuits of success and happiness? [28:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an "ordinary" person. How might God be calling you to an extraordinary purpose in your current situation? [07:31]
2. As a "living stone" and "holy priest," what specific actions can you take this week to minister to God and others in your community? [10:40]
3. Consider your unique gifts and abilities. How can you use them to glorify God in your workplace or family life this week? [21:06]
4. Solomon's story warns against seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits. What is one area of your life where you might be seeking satisfaction outside of God's purpose, and how can you realign your focus? [28:14]
5. The sermon emphasizes giving God our best in worship. What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind for worship each week? [18:02]
6. How can you ensure that God remains the highest priority in your life, especially when faced with distractions or competing priorities? [24:59]
7. Reflect on the idea of "kavod" as your unique glory. What is one way you can bring the fullness of your God-given uniqueness to serve others this week? [21:06]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Discovering Purpose in Christ
Description: Jesus' presence in our lives is not just a historical fact but a living reality that reveals our unique purpose. Each person is a deliberate creation of a loving God, designed with a specific plan in mind. This understanding brings profound meaning and direction to our lives, as we realize we are not mere accidents but intentional works of divine art. Embracing this purpose means aligning our lives with God's will, seeking His guidance, and finding fulfillment in His plans for us. As we explore this truth, we are encouraged to live with intention and purpose, knowing that our lives have eternal significance. [01:20]
"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 specific talents or passions do you believe God has given you, and how can you use them to fulfill His purpose in your life today?
Day 2: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles
Description: The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 is a powerful reminder that God often chooses ordinary people to fulfill extraordinary roles. These shepherds, considered lowly by societal standards, were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth and became the first preachers of the gospel. This illustrates that our value is not determined by societal standards but by God's calling. Each believer is invited to participate in God's work, regardless of their background or status. This calling challenges us to see ourselves as God sees us, capable of significant spiritual impact through His power and purpose. [07:31]
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you feel ordinary or inadequate, and how can you trust God to use you for His extraordinary purposes?
Day 3: Collective Worship
Description: As believers, we are called to be living stones and holy priests, ministering to God through worship. This worship is not confined to Sundays but is a daily expression of our gratitude for His grace. The psalmic expressions outlined in the book of Psalms guide us in offering passionate and wholehearted worship. Our collective glory is found in ministering to God, reflecting our love and devotion through our actions and words. This daily worship aligns our hearts with God's, allowing us to experience His presence and power in our lives. [13:01]
"You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate an act of worship into your daily routine, beyond traditional prayer or singing, to express your gratitude to God?
Day 4: Unique Glory
Description: Each of us possesses God-given gifts and abilities meant to reflect God's nature to the world. The Hebrew word "kavod," meaning weight or glory, reminds us that our uniqueness is designed to serve others and glorify God. Whether in business, athletics, or simply loving others, we are called to bring the fullness of our God-given uniqueness to our daily lives. By doing so, we fulfill our purpose and reflect God's glory to those around us, demonstrating His love and grace in tangible ways. [22:35]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one unique gift or ability you have. How can you use it today to serve someone and reflect God's glory?
Day 5: True Fulfillment
Description: Solomon's quest for fulfillment, as recorded in Ecclesiastes, teaches us that true satisfaction comes not from worldly pursuits but from worshiping God and keeping His commandments. By prioritizing God in our lives, we find peace, joy, and purpose that the world cannot offer. This fulfillment is rooted in a relationship with God, where we seek His kingdom first and align our lives with His will. As we commit to making God the highest and greatest in our lives, we experience the direction and contentment that only He can provide. [28:14]
"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking fulfillment outside of God, and how can you realign it to prioritize Him today?
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Quotes
Thank you. Thank you. Hey, while we're making noise, let's welcome all of our other locations joining in. Napa, East Bay, Roseville, Calgary, Prison Church Network, everybody. Come on, give it up for them today. We love you guys. Everybody in the family room is joining us. Hello. Hello. Do me a favor. Stay on your feet for just a moment. It's good to be in the house of God. It's good to be in his presence. And, you know, we are starting a new series today called Glory in the Highest. And in the course of this series, we're going to talk a little bit about what it means to glorify God. And we'll also be kind of dipping into some of the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. But when Jesus first came to the planet some 2000 plus years ago, he gave a sense of purpose to so many people who came in contact with him. Thousands and thousands of people, they found purpose. And meaning in the Savior and in his words and in his ways. And in the same way, in our day and age, when the Savior enters our lives, he begins to reveal the purpose for which he has created us. And I want to let you know today, maybe you've never heard this before, but you have a purpose. You have a purpose. You matter. You mean something. [00:00:07] (71 seconds)
with a new assignment. And one of our new assignments is this. [00:09:23] (5 seconds)
We have a collective glory to give to God. [00:09:29] (5 seconds)
First Peter 2 .5 tells us, and you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. So Peter gives us two different roles here. First, he says, you're living stones. [00:09:35] (18 seconds)
All the believers, this is the crazy, mysterious plan of God and all of his wisdom and all of his grace. He says, I'm no longer going to choose my dwelling place to be a physical structure or building, but instead all of my people, when they gather together, that will be my spiritual temple. That'll be the place where I dwell. So every time we gather together on Sundays here in all of our locations, or every time we gather together at Pursuit on Thursdays, or Youth, or Celebrate Recovery, or your small group, wherever you may gather with other believers, that is a gathering that God chooses and delights to dwell in. You are the temple of the living God. But Peter continues on and he says, you're not just living stones, you're also a priest. [00:09:53] (43 seconds)
You might be a first responder, you might be a pilot, or a teacher, or a stay -at -home parent, but if you've given your life to Jesus, you are also a priest. And when priests come into the temple of God, they have an active role to play. So you're actually on the clock right now. Surprise! [00:10:40] (17 seconds)
That's your heartfelt praise, your declarations from scripture, prayers, etc. [00:12:01] (4 seconds)
And then there's singing, shouting, lifting your hands, playing instruments, clapping, standing, bowing. And dancing. And these are all things that God has commanded his people, his priests, to do. They're not suggestions. They're not options. They're commands. This is how God has chosen for us to glorify him. [00:12:05] (19 seconds)
And David, who is the writer of over half the Psalms, the 150 Psalms in the book of Psalms, he further links these psalmic expressions of worship with priestly function in Psalm 141, verse 2, where he says this, incense before you, like a priest would burn before God, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. So here you've got speech and the lifting of hands, these psalmic expressions of worship. And David's saying, these things that I'm doing right now, they are just like as if I were a priest in the temple of God, giving him praise. [00:12:25] (36 seconds)
First Peter continues on to say, you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special position. [00:13:01] (9 seconds)
When we gather together as New Testament priests and we come into the house of God, our main goal, our number one priority is to minister to him, bringing him a sacrifice of praise through the methods which he has commanded of us. [00:13:01] (17 seconds)
This is the collective glory that we bring to God. [00:13:14] (4 seconds)
And if you look at the language of the Psalms, you'll see that this ministry, this glory giving is done with a certain attitude, a certain vibe, a certain mood. [00:13:30] (14 seconds)
It's done passionately, heartfelt, enthusiastic, dynamic, the best that you can bring all of your intention and all of your focus and all of your energy and your passion brought to God. Here are a couple of examples of what psalmic worship does not look like. What a beautiful [00:13:56] (22 seconds)
Now, if you feel a little threatened right now, that's not my intention. [00:14:35] (5 seconds)
Many people will say, well, you can't judge my heart based on what I'm worshiping like on the outside. And God knows my heart. And you know what? That's absolutely right. God knows your heart. And no man can judge the state of your heart by your outward appearance. God says man looks at the outward appearance, but he looks at the heart. So yes, God knows your heart. My question to you would be, do you know your heart? [00:14:39] (22 seconds)
And listen, if you're here and you are physically incapable of doing some of these psalmic expressions, but your heart is, man, God, I want to give you the best of me. I want to give you glory. Of course, he sees that. Of course, he honors your heart. And if you can't dance, then maybe you can lift your hands. And if you can't sing, then maybe you can bow before him. The point is God does not deserve our laziness and he doesn't deserve our leftovers. He deserves the best of us. He deserves your heart and soul and your mind and your strength. He's the God who created the universe and gave you breath in your lungs and a beating heart in your chest. He rescued you from hell and the grave. Surely you can give him a little bit of passion, a little bit of intensity, a little bit of volume. And don't do it for me. I'm not trying. You know, this is not me just going like, so come on, let's get loud because I'm saying it when we're worshiping. And this is a part of worship. But man, think of what he's done for you. [00:17:04] (55 seconds)
And just like the psalmists, you speak to your soul and you say, soul, it's time to worship God. I may not feel like it right now. It may not feel convenient, but God is worthy of my praise. And then what I like to do is I try to think of where I was before he found me. I go, man, I was lost. I was a teenager. I was broken and confused. I was depressed and suicidal and bitter and angry. But then Jesus came and he set me free and he clouded the, he parted the clouds of darkness in my life. He gave me joy. He gave me a song to sing. He gave me an amazing church family. He brought me a beautiful wife and beautiful kids. And oh man, when I think of his goodness, when I think of his glory and the things that he's done in my life, how can I not praise him? [00:18:46] (43 seconds)
And when you start to go through that list for just a couple of minutes, you find I'm pretty ready to bring my best to worship. Today, I like God's God's good and I'm going to give him praise. So I would encourage you to be proactive about your priestly ministry. You are not just another body in the room. You're certainly not just a casual observer. You are a priest and you have a job to do when you come to God's house. And thankfully he makes that job a joyful job and a job where we can be free and happy and sing and shout and celebrate. God could make it to where the way that we worship him is by whipping our backs and bowing. Before him and never getting up. But he says, I want you to dance. I want you to celebrate. I want you to lift your hands and sing for joy and sing for gladness. What a good God we serve. Isn't that amazing? And so take your role seriously and let's give him the collective glory that he so rightly deserves. And that's, that's the collective glory that we bring to God. But there's another level as well. You see, you have a unique glory to give to God. God's worthy. [00:19:35] (64 seconds)
our praise on Sundays for sure. He's worthy of the collective glory that we bring, but he's also worthy every other day of the week. [00:20:39] (8 seconds)
How do we give God the glory that he deserves when we're not in the gathering, when it's just us going about our work week or with our family? Do you show up to your job and start dancing and clapping and shouting? Probably not. Depends on your line of work, I suppose, but you know, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. [00:20:46] (19 seconds)
The ancient Jewish understanding of the word glory comes from a specific word that we'll put on the screen in just a moment. [00:21:06] (7 seconds)
It's figurative language that means weight, and it paints this picture. The definition that you're going to see is not the true definition of the word. This is the result of my study and my looking into it, trying to help paint a picture of what is being talked about when they use this word glory. The word for it is kavod, spelled kabod, but it's pronounced kavod. [00:21:12] (23 seconds)
All of your heart and soul is in the glory of God. All of your heart and soul, the very noblest parts of you, the culmination of the best of who and what you are, your God -given
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