Discovering Purpose Through Service and Unity

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the intriguing question of purpose and significance in our lives. We began by considering some unusual jobs, like a Zamboni driver or a professional sleeper, to illustrate how every role, no matter how odd it may seem, has its place and importance. This led us to the central question: "What difference can I make?" We all yearn for a life of significance, and the answer lies in understanding our unique gifts and using them to serve others.

We delved into 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church. Just as the body has many parts, each with its own function, so too does the church. Each of us is uniquely gifted, and these gifts are meant to be used in service to others. Our significance is not found in what we do alone but in how we contribute to the body of Christ and the world around us.

We discussed the importance of unity within diversity, emphasizing that while we come from different backgrounds and cultures, we are united by the Holy Spirit and a common mission. This unity allows us to work together, despite our differences, to achieve a greater purpose.

The message also highlighted the problem of "muscle atrophy" in the church, where many members are not actively using their gifts. This leads to an unhealthy body that cannot function as it should. We were encouraged to discover our gifts, seek guidance from mature believers, and actively serve in areas where we can make a meaningful impact.

Finally, we were reminded that our greatest contribution to the kingdom of God might not be something we do but someone we raise. Discipleship starts at home, and as parents, we have a significant role in shaping the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

- Unique Purpose in Service: Each of us has a unique purpose and significance, which is discovered through serving others. Our gifts are not for our own benefit but for the edification of the body of Christ and the world around us. [05:33]

- Unity in Diversity: Despite our diverse backgrounds and cultures, we are united by the Holy Spirit and a common mission. This unity allows us to work together towards a greater purpose, transcending our differences. [12:33]

- Overcoming Spiritual Atrophy: Many in the church experience "muscle atrophy" by not using their gifts. To be a healthy body, we must actively engage in serving and using our gifts to fulfill God's purpose for us. [19:04]

- Discovering and Using Gifts: It's crucial to discover our spiritual gifts and seek guidance from mature believers to understand and use them effectively. This process helps us find our place in the body of Christ and make a significant impact. [24:47]

- Discipleship Begins at Home: Our most significant contribution may be in raising the next generation. As parents, we are the primary disciples of our children, and our influence within the family can have a lasting impact on the kingdom of God. [29:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:33] - The Question of Significance
- [08:43] - Understanding 1 Corinthians 12
- [12:33] - Unity in Diversity
- [19:04] - Overcoming Spiritual Atrophy
- [22:07] - Discovering Your Gifts
- [24:47] - Guidance from Mature Believers
- [29:31] - Serving in Three Areas
- [30:30] - The Power of Serving
- [31:48] - A God Story of Service
- [33:21] - Prayer for Followers
- [34:17] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [35:25] - Next Steps for New Believers
- [36:01] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 12 to describe the church, and what does this metaphor suggest about the roles of individuals within the church? [08:43]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "muscle atrophy" in the church, and what are the consequences of this condition? [19:04]
3. What examples of unusual jobs were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the idea of purpose and significance? [05:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul emphasizes unity within diversity. How does this principle apply to the modern church, and what challenges might arise from it? [12:33]
2. The sermon mentions that our greatest contribution might be someone we raise rather than something we do. How does this perspective shift the traditional view of significance? [05:33]
3. How does the concept of discovering and using spiritual gifts relate to finding one's purpose in the church and the broader community? [24:47]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. What unique gifts or talents do you believe God has given you, and how are you currently using them to serve others? [24:47]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of unity in diversity. How can you actively promote unity within your church community, especially among those with different backgrounds or perspectives? [12:33]
3. Consider the idea of "muscle atrophy" in the church. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel inactive or underutilized? What steps can you take to become more engaged? [19:04]
4. The sermon suggests that discipleship begins at home. How can you intentionally disciple and influence your family or those closest to you in their spiritual journey? [29:31]
5. Think about a time when you felt significant in your role or contribution. What was it about that experience that made you feel purposeful, and how can you seek similar opportunities in your current context? [05:33]
6. How can you identify and support others in discovering their spiritual gifts, and what role can you play in encouraging them to use these gifts within the church? [24:47]
7. Reflect on the story of the man who built above-ground pools. How can you be open to unexpected opportunities to serve, even if they don't align with your initial expectations or skills? [31:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Discovering Your Unique Purpose in Service
Each person is endowed with unique gifts and a distinct purpose, which are meant to be used in service to others. The significance of our lives is not found in self-serving actions but in how we contribute to the body of Christ and the world around us. By understanding and utilizing our gifts, we can find fulfillment and make a meaningful impact. This perspective shifts the focus from personal gain to communal growth, encouraging us to seek ways to serve others and glorify God through our actions. [05:33]

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts do you possess that you can use to serve others in your community or church this week?


Day 2: Embracing Unity in Diversity
Despite our diverse backgrounds and cultures, we are united by the Holy Spirit and a common mission. This unity allows us to work together towards a greater purpose, transcending our differences. By embracing diversity, we can learn from one another and strengthen the body of Christ. It is through this unity that we can achieve more than we could individually, as each person's unique perspective and gifts contribute to the whole. [12:33]

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church or community, especially among those who are different from you?


Day 3: Overcoming Spiritual Atrophy
Many in the church experience "muscle atrophy" by not using their gifts, leading to an unhealthy body that cannot function as it should. To be a healthy body, we must actively engage in serving and using our gifts to fulfill God's purpose for us. This requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to serve in areas where we can make a meaningful impact. By doing so, we not only grow spiritually but also contribute to the growth and health of the church. [19:04]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your church or community where you can start using your gifts to serve others this week?


Day 4: Discovering and Using Your Gifts
It's crucial to discover our spiritual gifts and seek guidance from mature believers to understand and use them effectively. This process helps us find our place in the body of Christ and make a significant impact. By seeking mentorship and being open to learning, we can grow in our understanding of our gifts and how to use them for God's glory. This journey of discovery is not only about personal growth but also about contributing to the greater mission of the church. [24:47]

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:6-8, ESV)

Reflection: Who is a mature believer you can approach for guidance in discovering and using your spiritual gifts?


Day 5: Discipleship Begins at Home
Our most significant contribution may be in raising the next generation. As parents, we are the primary disciples of our children, and our influence within the family can have a lasting impact on the kingdom of God. By modeling Christ-like behavior and teaching our children about faith, we can shape their spiritual journey and prepare them to make their own impact in the world. This responsibility is both a privilege and a calling, reminding us of the importance of nurturing faith within our homes. [29:31]

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can disciple your children or younger family members in their faith this week?

Quotes



"You're sitting down next to guys who live in a world like in Corinth where some people's, not Sunday morning, I don't know when they did it, but their act of worship, like their Sunday morning worship, was going to the temple of prostitutes and sleeping with prostitutes as an act of worship. That was a part of Corinth culture. And they meet Jesus, and now they're sitting next to you in church. It's a culture. It's a cultural hodgepodge. You can see some of the issues that might come up. And so Paul is writing this letter, and in this he's saying, listen, guys, we're different. We come from different places. But the one thing we have in common is the Holy Spirit. Because you're following Jesus, the Spirit of God is inside you. So all of our different cultures and differences all unite around one mission. We come from different places, but we're going to the same place. And so we're on mission together. We've got the same goals in mind. And even though we have differences, we've got the Spirit, capital S in that text, the Holy Spirit, in us, and he bonds us. Paul is not a universalist. He's not like all roads lead to heaven, all gods are the same. I've got a coexist bumper sticker. He didn't, right? Now, we do want to coexist with people and love people that are different to us and believe different than us. But what Paul is saying to the church, we're all on the same page. We've got one Spirit inside us, and we're going the same direction." [00:12:04] (79 seconds)


"He says, yes, the body is many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, I'm not a part of the body because I'm not a hand, that doesn't make it any less part of the body. And if the ear says, I'm not part of the body because I'm not an eye, would that make it any less part of the body? If the whole body were an ear, how would you hear? If it was an eye, how would you hear? If the whole body was an ear, how would you smell anything? What Paul is saying to people is, hey, you are unique. You are uniquely you. There's no one else like you. But you have a part in the body that matters. And the body needs you. And he's going to talk about some of his issue here is dealing with people who think, well, I do this and I'm more important than that person. He says, no, we're all important. You just have to discover your gift. You've got to discover what part God's called you to play. And you go play that part. Now, we are unique people. Some of us have the same gifts. And that's okay. We need multiple expressions of the gifts. I'll give you an example. I have the gift of preaching. God's given me that gift." [00:13:22] (65 seconds)


"and if it's just a pinky but the next day i went to the doctor because i was like this is crazy even to this day like it's the joint like you can run your finger down this finger and you're like that's not right that's not supposed to be like that so i go because my pinky hurts and when my pinky hurts i hurt right like i don't disassociate like you know how you feeling today i'm totally fine it's just my pinky no like the pinky is a part of my body it's who i am so it hurts i hurt so i go and i'm having to do like this rehab like it's so embarrassing guys like i lost a i lost an arm in the war and i'm like yeah i jammed a pinky and i'm over there doing like squeezing sand exercises like not feeling like a man at all at that moment you know and get this splint affected affected what i did now had i lost my pinky could my life have gone on yes absolutely would have been an adjusted life yeah and maybe not so much as i lost like an arm but it life i would adjust but it would be different without the pinky if you don't find your gifts and you don't use your gifts to serve will the church go on and survive yes will it have to adjust yes that's what paul is saying every one of us has a gift everyone has perfect purpose every one of us calling and the ability and the gift to make a difference a significant difference could you imagine just this service not even our early service just this service if every person in this room knew what their gifting was and was using it to serve people to do ministry to our city that'd be pretty significant yeah the second the first service in and we're doing that you had the other churches around us that are our friends and partner churches." [00:17:06] (118 seconds)

"our city would literally look different it'd be upside down because we would be so practicing our gifts at the significant moments in our city we'd see we would live we would we would we'd be living them it would be different in a crazy great way and that's what Paul wants us to understand is you've got a purpose that is a significant purpose but you discover it and you find it in serving serving people and every one of us matters every one of us has a gift every one of us has a calling of God so we've got to one discover that gift and then start using it to serve here's the problem in churches every church use the body analogy there is way too much muscle atrophy in the church every church because because we have some parts of the body that the the movement that they the the the muscle movement they have is they get up come to church sit down and then get up and leave and go to chili's that's all the muscle movement that happens and the muscle atrophies when it's one hour a week the muscle becomes weak and then when you have multiple muscles that are atrophying that's an unhealthy body right can you survive possibly do you have to adjust absolutely is it a body that's able to accomplish the things that it's supposed to accomplish absolutely not and so we've got way too much muscle atrophy now listen if um if that offends you you feel like i'm picking on you i'm not i don't have anybody in mind but if you feel that that might be you know like when your muscle falls asleep your hand falls asleep you start getting the prickly feelings as it's coming alive maybe it's the spirit of god speaking and going hey you've got to find your place we've got too much atrophy and here's the other thing that happens we have wrong people doing right jobs in the church and i say wrong people." [00:19:04] (115 seconds)


"God bless them, they are the saints of the church. They're the MVPs. And they're like, they love the Lord and they wanna serve and they see a need. And somebody that God has gifted and called to that need is sitting in the chair and that person sees the need and they're not gifted for it because they love God and they love the church. They're like, I'll do it. And so that person that doesn't like kids goes, I know you need kids ministry people, I'll be there. And like, great, well, why would you, what do you think about that? Like, you love kids? Kids, no, I hate them, I don't really like mine, but there's a need, right? And the church goes, well, here are our options. We close the door and tell guests and visitors to come, hey, we know you have kids, but we don't have adults that can serve your kids, so sorry. Or we put the guy that hates kids in the kids ministry. You know what churches do? Put the wrong guy in the right place, right? Because we're not trying to make it work. Now, luckily, we're not doing that, at least that I know of. But that happens all the time. Wrong people, right places, because the right person, the right person is sitting. They haven't discovered their gift, they're not using it. And here's the thing, let me just tell you this, before I even go any further." [00:21:08] (68 seconds)


"Like, how do we serve? Like, there's some great ministries that happen that are not City Church ministries. Go do those. If you go, man, I love that. Or it may not even be a ministry. You might just go, man, I have the gift of hospitality, and I don't know what that looks like, but I'm going to try to make the place that I work the most hospitable place ever. I want people to feel like it's home. And in that, you start doing ministry to people, and you're not doing it just to make people feel hospitable, but you're creating home in a workplace where people don't want to go because you have that gift. And through that conversation, all of a sudden, you have significance. And people are like, thank you so much for doing this. I mean, I just love what you do. You always take people to lunch or whatever it is, and then all of a sudden, you've got this opportunity to talk about Jesus, right?" [00:28:46] (46 seconds)


"All of a sudden, that significance that we're all searching for, we've tried it in a job. We've tried it in relationships. How do I make a difference? And we've tried this or that. All of a sudden, God made me for this, and I'm using the gifts that God's given me for the kingdom of God and to impact people. All of a sudden, I start to feel significant. I sort of feel like I'm making a difference. because that's what God created you for. So you got to discover your gift and start using it." [00:30:30] (24 seconds)


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Transcript
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