Discovering Your Divine Calling and Purpose
Summary
In this new series, "Live Your Calling," we embark on a journey to understand the profound question: "What on Earth am I here for?" This is an advanced exploration of our purpose, building on the foundational teachings of the "Purpose-Driven Life." Over the next six weeks, we will delve into the concept of calling, which is intricately linked to our purpose. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This calling is not just about our careers or jobs; it is a divine assignment that encompasses our entire lives.
The Bible is a narrative of God calling individuals for specific purposes, from Noah to Paul. Our calling is a gift from God, rooted in His grace, and it is not something we earn or deserve. It is a part of our salvation, intertwined with our purpose in life. God has chosen our calling even before we were born, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Jeremiah and Paul. This calling is permanent and irrevocable, unaffected by our sins or mistakes. It is a divine invitation to live out God's plan for our lives, not our own.
Our calling is also deeply connected to others. We cannot fulfill our purpose in isolation; we need to be part of a community, the body of Christ. This connection is essential for living out our calling and experiencing the blessings God has in store for us. God empowers us to fulfill our calling, providing the resources and strength we need. As we commit to His calling, He commits His resources to us.
Finally, there is a prize for living out our calling. God promises a reward for those who discover and live the calling He has for them. This reward is eternal, sharing in God's kingdom and glory. Life on Earth is a test of our faithfulness, and fulfilling our calling is key to experiencing the fullness of God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Calling as a Divine Gift: Our calling is a gift from God, rooted in His grace and not something we earn. It is intertwined with our salvation and purpose in life, chosen by God even before we were born. This divine assignment is a testament to God's love and grace, offering us a life of meaning and fulfillment. [13:10]
2. Purpose Beyond Career: Our calling is far more significant than our career. It is a divine purpose that encompasses our entire life, guiding us to live out God's plan rather than our own. Understanding this distinction helps us align our lives with God's will, leading to true fulfillment. [09:34]
3. Irrevocable Calling: Our calling is permanent and irrevocable, unaffected by our sins or mistakes. God's call remains constant, offering us hope and assurance that our purpose is secure in Him. This understanding empowers us to live boldly, knowing that our past does not define our future. [34:25]
4. Community and Connection: Our calling is connected to others, requiring us to be part of a community. We cannot fulfill our purpose in isolation; we need the support and encouragement of the body of Christ. This connection enriches our lives and helps us grow in our calling. [36:25]
5. Eternal Reward: There is a prize for living out our calling, an eternal reward of sharing in God's kingdom and glory. Life on Earth is a test of our faithfulness, and fulfilling our calling is key to experiencing the fullness of God's promises. This perspective motivates us to live purposefully and faithfully. [46:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to "Live Your Calling"
- [02:42] - Romans 8:28: Understanding Our Calling
- [04:10] - The Meaning of Calling
- [06:40] - God's Call and Our Response
- [08:40] - Vocation vs. Career
- [11:17] - The Hope in Our Calling
- [12:36] - Eight Things to Know About Your Calling
- [13:10] - Calling as a Gift from God
- [15:03] - Called for God's Purpose
- [19:12] - Career vs. Calling
- [22:04] - Making a Contribution
- [23:12] - Chosen Before Birth
- [29:23] - Sins and Mistakes Don't Change Our Call
- [34:25] - The Permanence of Our Calling
- [36:25] - Connection to Others
- [39:22] - Empowerment for Our Calling
- [46:01] - The Prize for Living Our Calling
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Live Your Calling"
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
3. 2 Timothy 1:9 - "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 8:28, what is the relationship between love for God and being called according to His purpose? How does this verse connect calling and purpose? [03:55]
2. In the sermon, what distinction is made between a career and a calling? How does this distinction affect our understanding of purpose? [09:34]
3. What examples from the Bible were given in the sermon to illustrate that our calling is chosen by God before we are born? [23:28]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in fulfilling our calling? What biblical analogy is used to explain this connection? [36:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding that our calling is a gift from God, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:9, change the way we view our life's purpose? [14:30]
2. What does it mean for our calling to be irrevocable, and how does this provide hope and assurance in our spiritual journey? [34:25]
3. How does the concept of being God's workmanship in Ephesians 2:10 influence our perception of self-worth and purpose? [20:31]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our past mistakes do not alter God's calling for us? How can this understanding impact our future decisions? [29:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from your community. How did that affect your sense of purpose, and what steps can you take to strengthen your connection with the body of Christ? [36:25]
2. Consider your current career or job. How can you align it more closely with your divine calling, understanding that your calling is broader than your career? [09:34]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you have felt your past mistakes might have disqualified you from God's calling. How can you embrace the truth that your calling is permanent and unaffected by those mistakes? [29:23]
4. Think about the resources and strengths God has provided you. How can you use these to fulfill your calling, and what is one practical step you can take this week to commit to God's plan for your life? [40:22]
5. The sermon mentions a prize for living out our calling. What motivates you to pursue your calling, and how can you keep this motivation at the forefront of your daily life? [46:01]
6. How can you actively participate in a small group or community to support others in discovering and living out their calling? What role can you play in encouraging others in their spiritual journey? [38:25]
7. Reflect on the eternal reward mentioned in the sermon. How does this perspective influence your daily choices and priorities? What changes can you make to live more purposefully in light of this eternal perspective? [46:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Calling as a Divine Gift
Our calling is a profound gift from God, rooted in His grace and not something we earn. It is intricately linked to our salvation and purpose in life, chosen by God even before we were born. This divine assignment is a testament to God's love and grace, offering us a life of meaning and fulfillment. Understanding our calling as a gift helps us to appreciate the unique role we have in God's plan. It is not a burden but a privilege to live out the purpose He has designed for us. Embracing this truth allows us to walk confidently in our calling, knowing that it is a reflection of God's love and grace in our lives. [13:10]
"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: How can you begin to see your calling as a gift from God rather than a task to be completed? What steps can you take today to embrace this perspective?
Day 2: Purpose Beyond Career
Our calling transcends our career, encompassing a divine purpose that guides our entire life. It is not limited to our job or profession but is a broader invitation to live out God's plan. This understanding helps us align our lives with God's will, leading to true fulfillment. By recognizing that our calling is more than our career, we can find meaning and purpose in every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our daily interactions. This perspective encourages us to seek God's guidance in all areas, ensuring that we are living in accordance with His divine purpose. [09:34]
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily activities with God's purpose for your life, beyond your career? How can you invite God into the mundane aspects of your day?
Day 3: Irrevocable Calling
Our calling is permanent and irrevocable, unaffected by our sins or mistakes. God's call remains constant, offering us hope and assurance that our purpose is secure in Him. This understanding empowers us to live boldly, knowing that our past does not define our future. Embracing the permanence of our calling allows us to move forward with confidence, trusting that God has a plan for us despite our shortcomings. It is a reminder that His grace is sufficient and that His purposes for us are unchanging. [34:25]
"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that your calling is irrevocable change the way you view your past mistakes? What steps can you take to live more boldly in your calling today?
Day 4: Community and Connection
Our calling is deeply connected to others, requiring us to be part of a community. We cannot fulfill our purpose in isolation; we need the support and encouragement of the body of Christ. This connection enriches our lives and helps us grow in our calling. Being part of a community allows us to share our gifts and receive the support we need to live out our calling. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey and that God has placed us in a community for a reason. [36:25]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your community to support and be supported in your calling? What specific actions can you take to foster deeper connections with others?
Day 5: Eternal Reward
There is a prize for living out our calling, an eternal reward of sharing in God's kingdom and glory. Life on Earth is a test of our faithfulness, and fulfilling our calling is key to experiencing the fullness of God's promises. This perspective motivates us to live purposefully and faithfully, knowing that our efforts have eternal significance. By focusing on the eternal reward, we are encouraged to persevere in our calling, trusting that God will honor our faithfulness. It is a reminder that our lives have a greater purpose and that our actions have lasting impact. [46:01]
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: What motivates you to remain faithful in your calling, even when faced with challenges? How can you keep the eternal reward in mind as you navigate your daily life?
Quotes
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Circle the word called who have been called according to his purpose and circle the word purpose circle called and circle purpose and draw a line between them because calling and purpose go together. [00:03:56]
My calling is a gift from God. I don't earn it. I don't deserve it. I don't work for it. I don't bargain for it. I don't barter for it. It's just a Flatout gift of God's grace. It is his present to me when he created me, he called me, and it's all by Grace. [00:13:01]
I am called for God's purpose, not mine but God's. I'm not called for my plan in life. I'm called for God's plan. God did not make you for you. You think God created you just to live a selfish little life of self-centeredness? It's all about me, me, me, me. [00:14:59]
God chose my calling before I was born. You need to know that as we get ready to go in to live your calling the next six weeks. My calling is a gift from God. I'm called for God's purpose, not mine, and my calling was before I was born. God chose it. [00:23:07]
My sins and my mistakes don't change my call. God's call for my life, it doesn't matter how messed up your life has been, whether you messed it up or somebody messed it up for you. No matter how screwy it got, how difficult it became, it hasn't changed God's call on your life at all. [00:29:19]
My calling is permanent. This is a further extension of what I just said. What I mean when it's permanent means nobody can take it from you. When you were growing up, your parents tried to probably make you something that you didn't really want to be. [00:34:25]
My calling is connected to others. My calling, my assignment from God in life, my purpose, my vision, the dream God has for my life is connected to other people. What do I mean by that? You cannot fulfill your purpose in life by yourself. It is impossible. [00:36:25]
God empowers what he calls me to do. That's the seven thing I need to know about my calling, that whatever God calls me to do, he's going to empower me to do. God empowers what he calls me to do. In other words, if God has given me an assignment in life, he's going to enable me to do it. [00:39:22]
There is a prize for living out my calling. God has promised a reward for those people who discover and live the calling he made them for here on Earth, and that reward is going to last forever. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal to win the prize. [00:46:01]
The prize is that you get to share in everything God has in heaven. You get to share in his kingdom. You get to share in his glory. You get to share in his power. It all becomes yours. You see, life on Earth is a test. Why didn't God just create you and take you to heaven? [00:46:42]
God is testing to see if you are going to fulfill the calling he put you here on Earth to fulfill, and if you do, then he's going to share with you everything that is his. This is the most amazing thing. Look at the next verse 1 Thessalonians 2:12 live the kind of life that pleases God. [00:47:46]
The fact is God has already called. He's already called you. That phone has been ringing in your life since the moment you were conceived. Are you going to pick up the phone? It's been ringing. God's call for you has been ringing from the point of your conception. [00:49:17]
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