Discovering Your Divine Purpose in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about something that is often missing in our society and even within the body of Christ: purpose. Each of you has been pre-wired with a purpose by God. You are not a mistake, regardless of what life has thrown at you. Before God created the world, He had a plan for you, and that plan is illustrated through your purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand. This means that if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have a unique assignment that only you can fulfill.
It's important to understand that greatness in God's eyes is not about fame or recognition but about fulfilling the purpose He has given you. Just as Steve Jobs knew the purpose of the iPhone he created, only God can tell you what you were created for. We often seek validation from others, but we should first seek God's guidance. Negativity and failure do not define you; your purpose is greater than your pain and mistakes.
Being made in God's image means that you have inherent value and a divine purpose. God has given us dominion over various aspects of our lives, but this dominion has jurisdiction. You can't exercise your authority just anywhere; it must be where God has placed you. Like Adam, who was called to manage the world, we are called to manage the areas God has given us dominion over.
Everything God created has a purpose and obeys that purpose, except us. We often struggle to understand and fulfill our purpose. Your purpose is a gift meant to bless others, not something to keep to yourself. Just as an apple tree produces apples for others, your purpose is meant to benefit those around you.
Your purpose is a journey, not a destination. It evolves and updates over time. Sometimes, our unanswered prayers are blessings in disguise, steering us away from paths that are not aligned with our purpose. Symptoms of not knowing your purpose include feeling unfulfilled and constantly comparing yourself to others. Your purpose will always lead to promotion and will require persistence and management.
Finally, remember that you have been pre-approved in Christ. Your mistakes and failures do not disqualify you from fulfilling your purpose. God has invested in you, and your purpose needs to be activated. You have a gift that the world needs, and it's time to give it away.
### Key Takeaways
1. You Are Not a Mistake: Regardless of your past or what others have said about you, you are not a mistake. God created you with a purpose, for a purpose, and on purpose. Your value is inherent because you are made in God's image. [27:57]
2. Seek God's Guidance First: While it's okay to seek opinions from others, your primary source of guidance should be God. Only He, as your Creator, can truly reveal your purpose. This requires a relationship with Him and a willingness to listen and obey. [30:39]
3. Your Purpose is a Journey, Not a Destination: Your purpose evolves over time and is not confined to a single moment or achievement. It requires ongoing effort, persistence, and a willingness to adapt as God leads you. [48:45]
4. Unanswered Prayers Can Be Blessings: Sometimes, what we desire is not aligned with God's purpose for us. Unanswered prayers can be a form of divine protection, steering us away from paths that are not meant for us. [53:26]
5. You Have Been Pre-Approved in Christ: Your worth and purpose are not based on your achievements or failures but on what Christ has done for you. You have been pre-approved in Him, and your purpose needs to be activated to bless others and bring glory to God. [50:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:57] - You Are Not a Mistake
[29:07] - Purpose in Christ
[29:56] - You Are Valuable to God
[30:39] - Seek God's Guidance
[31:12] - Overcoming Negativity
[36:40] - Made in God's Image
[37:47] - Dominion and Jurisdiction
[38:40] - Adam's Role and Our Role
[39:07] - Everything Has a Purpose
[40:34] - Your Purpose is a Gift
[42:21] - Specific Gifting and Calling
[43:13] - Approval and Validation
[44:07] - Activation of Purpose
[48:45] - Purpose is a Journey
[50:33] - Pre-Approved in Christ
[53:26] - Unanswered Prayers
[55:04] - Qualifying a Godly Purpose
[56:47] - Symptoms of Not Knowing Your Purpose
[01:00:02] - Purpose Leads to Promotion
[01:02:47] - Communion and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Genesis 1:26 (NIV) - "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what are we created for, and who prepared these works for us?
2. In Genesis 1:26, what does it mean to be made in God's image and to have dominion over creation?
3. The sermon mentioned that our purpose is greater than our pain and mistakes. How does this align with the idea that we are created in God's image? [31:12]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that our purpose is a journey and not a destination? [48:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are God's handiwork (Ephesians 2:10) influence our view of our own purpose and value?
2. What implications does having dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26) have for how we should live our lives and fulfill our purpose?
3. The sermon emphasizes seeking God's guidance first. Why is it important to seek God's direction before seeking validation from others? [30:39]
4. How can the concept of being pre-approved in Christ change the way we handle our failures and insecurities? [50:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like a mistake or unworthy. How can the truth that you are created with a purpose by God help you overcome those feelings? [27:57]
2. What steps can you take this week to seek God's guidance for your purpose rather than relying on the opinions of others? [30:39]
3. Think about an area in your life where you feel unfulfilled. How might this be a symptom of not fully understanding or living out your God-given purpose? [56:47]
4. Identify a recent unanswered prayer in your life. How might this be a blessing in disguise, steering you towards your true purpose? [53:26]
5. Consider a gift or talent you have that has not been fully activated. What practical steps can you take to start using this gift to bless others? [44:07]
6. How can you remind yourself daily that you have been pre-approved in Christ, especially when facing doubts or failures? [50:33]
7. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling to understand their purpose. How can you encourage them this week with the truths shared in this sermon? [52:38]
Devotional
Day 1: You Are Not a Mistake
Description: Regardless of your past or what others have said about you, you are not a mistake. God created you with a purpose, for a purpose, and on purpose. Your value is inherent because you are made in God's image. This truth is foundational to understanding your worth and purpose in life. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand. This means that your existence is intentional and meaningful, designed by God Himself.
When life throws challenges your way, it's easy to feel insignificant or question your worth. However, God's perspective is different. He sees you as His masterpiece, uniquely crafted for a specific purpose. Embrace this truth and let it shape your identity and actions. Remember, your value is not determined by external circumstances or opinions but by the Creator who made you. [27:57]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt insignificant or doubted your worth. How does knowing that you are God's masterpiece change your perspective on that situation?
Day 2: Seek God's Guidance First
Description: While it's okay to seek opinions from others, your primary source of guidance should be God. Only He, as your Creator, can truly reveal your purpose. This requires a relationship with Him and a willingness to listen and obey. In a world where we often seek validation and direction from various sources, it's crucial to prioritize God's voice above all others. He knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Developing a relationship with God involves spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and being attentive to His leading. As you seek His guidance, He will reveal your purpose and direct your steps. Trusting in God's wisdom and timing is essential, even when His plans differ from your own. Remember, His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. [30:39]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to prioritize seeking God's guidance in your life? How can you create space to hear His voice more clearly?
Day 3: Your Purpose is a Journey, Not a Destination
Description: Your purpose evolves over time and is not confined to a single moment or achievement. It requires ongoing effort, persistence, and a willingness to adapt as God leads you. Understanding that purpose is a journey helps you to remain flexible and open to God's direction. Life is full of seasons, and each season brings new opportunities to grow and fulfill your purpose.
Sometimes, we may feel frustrated when our plans don't unfold as expected. However, it's important to recognize that God's timing and ways are perfect. Embrace the journey and trust that God is continually shaping and refining you for His purposes. Your purpose is not a one-time event but a lifelong adventure with God. [48:45]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your plans didn't go as expected. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's purpose for your life? What can you learn from it?
Day 4: Unanswered Prayers Can Be Blessings
Description: Sometimes, what we desire is not aligned with God's purpose for us. Unanswered prayers can be a form of divine protection, steering us away from paths that are not meant for us. It's natural to feel disappointed when our prayers seem to go unanswered, but it's important to trust that God knows what is best for us. His perspective is eternal, and He sees the bigger picture that we cannot.
Unanswered prayers can be opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. They remind us that God's plans are higher and better than our own. Instead of focusing on what we didn't receive, we can choose to trust in God's wisdom and goodness. He is always working for our good, even when we don't understand His ways. [53:26]
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: Think of a prayer that went unanswered in your life. How can you see God's hand of protection or guidance in that situation? What did you learn from it?
Day 5: You Have Been Pre-Approved in Christ
Description: Your worth and purpose are not based on your achievements or failures but on what Christ has done for you. You have been pre-approved in Him, and your purpose needs to be activated to bless others and bring glory to God. This truth liberates you from the pressure of performance and allows you to rest in God's grace. Your identity and value are secure in Christ, and nothing can change that.
Understanding that you are pre-approved in Christ empowers you to step into your purpose with confidence. You don't need to earn God's approval; it has already been given to you through Jesus. Embrace this truth and let it motivate you to live out your purpose boldly and joyfully. Your life is a testimony of God's grace and love, and He has equipped you to make a difference in the world. [50:33]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are pre-approved in Christ change the way you view your purpose and actions? What steps can you take to activate your purpose and bless others today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to declare to you that each of you here today has been pre-wired with purpose. Meaning that when God created you, he created you with a purpose, for a purpose, and on purpose. I want to say to someone out here, maybe I'm saying it to myself, you are not a mistake. I don't care what has happened in life. I don't care if you have been rejected, if you didn't know your mother, if you didn't know your father. If you were told you... You are a mistake. I'm here to challenge that and declare that not to be true." [27:57] (31 seconds)
2. "That no matter what you feel about yourself, no matter what society has said about you, no matter what your mother, your father, your brother, your boss said about you, you're valuable to God. You're valuable to him. Did you get that? You're valuable to him. Meaning that your purpose was to bring glory to the world. You know, if I was to tell you that I made something, I would know why I made it. And I would tell you the purpose of it." [29:56] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are made in God's image. And because you're made in God's image, that trumps everything that anyone has ever said about you. Now, because he is your creator, now you need to go back to your creator and say, hey, what do you want me to do, God? What can I do to bring you glory?" [36:40] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your purpose is a gift to the world. Your purpose is only something you can give away. God didn't give you a purpose to keep to yourself. He wanted it to flow through you. He wanted other people to be blessed. You know, an apple tree doesn't consume the apples that it produces. It doesn't. The apple tree produces apples for other people. Your purpose will always be a blessing to other people." [40:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have been pre-approved in Christ. Every person in this world was pre-approved to become a member of God's kingdom. You know something? In order to become a citizen of the kingdom, what do you need to do? You need to become a citizen of the kingdom, either by birth or you have to be sworn in. So when you become a Christian, you become a part of a kingdom that will never end. Oh, that will never end." [49:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Because God created you, only he can tell you what you're for. Only he can tell you what you were created to do. So often we look to other people and say, should I do this? Should I do that? Well, what about go to God first? There's nothing wrong with getting other people's opinions. There's nothing wrong with that. And we should get opinions. But could it be that we go to the one who created us? Created us first? And say, God, because you created me with a purpose, tell me what I'm to do." [30:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your purpose really declares your sense of worth and value because God has given you a purpose. It means that he has invested in you something of importance. I'm a general contractor. So one of the things my wife taught me, this is my pretty wife. You don't have to raise your hand. Anything she said. She said, make sure you get a deposit from the people that do work for you because when you get a deposit, it represents the fact they are serious and it shows that they have an interest in what it is you want them to do." [47:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your purpose is a journey and not a destination. Meaning that there's never a place in life where your purpose ends unless you die. Do you know that Abraham was very old when he had a son, right? He had a purpose. He couldn't die until his purpose was completed. He couldn't retire because God had a purpose for him. There's never a place in life where we stop achieving and becoming and doing the thing God has called us to do because we are here to promote the kingdom of God." [48:45] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your purpose will always need retakes. We never get it right the first time. You never get it right the first time, but thank God there are retakes. You get it? We serve a God of second chances. So if you need a second chance, I know a God who's rich in mercy." [01:01:44] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your godly desire will always conform and be supported by God's Word. Your godly desire will never be there to hurt anyone, steal, allow, cheat. It always has to conform to the Word of God. It's always something that will bring God glory. You can't do something in the name of the law if you're breaking the law, right? So a godly desire will always represent the kingdom in a way that brings him honor." [55:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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