Discovering Your God-Given Purpose and Calling

 

Summary

In my sermon, I began by addressing the common struggle many individuals face in discerning their purpose and calling in life. I introduced the series "The Unveiling," aiming to guide the congregation through the discovery of their God-given purpose and calling. I used the illustration of random objects, whose purposes are not immediately clear without consulting the manufacturer, to parallel our own understanding of purpose. This set the stage for the central theme: to discover our purpose, we must consult our Creator.

I then delved into the heart of the message, drawing from 1 Corinthians 1, emphasizing that our calling starts with the One who calls us. I explained that being called by God means being set apart as holy, not in a legalistic sense, but as belonging to Him. This holiness is part of our purpose and is achieved through Jesus Christ. I stressed that our calling is not about the specifics of what, when, and where, but about who we are becoming and how we are living out our faith.

I continued by reassuring the congregation that because of Jesus, we are not lacking in any way for our calling. We have been given all the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill our purpose. I encouraged everyone to recognize and be grateful for the unique gifts God has placed within each of us, rather than falling into the traps of comparison and jealousy.

I also addressed the misconception that one's past disqualifies them from serving God. I reminded the congregation that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are restored to a right relationship with God, and our past conflicts and brokenness are resolved. This truth is the foundation for stepping out in boldness and strength, living out our calling.

As I moved towards the conclusion of the sermon, I invited the congregation to a moment of prayer, affirming our identity in Christ and our desire to draw closer to God to understand His will for our lives. I encouraged those who were making a commitment to Jesus for the first time to connect with our team for support and resources.

Finally, I wrapped up by inviting everyone to continue engaging with the series in the coming weeks, whether in person or through our online resources, to further explore and understand their unique calling and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. Our calling is rooted in being set apart as holy people, a status granted through Jesus Christ. This holiness is not about adhering to a strict set of rules but about living in a way that reflects our belonging to God. It's a calling to live differently, not as a means of earning God's favor, but as a response to the grace we've already received. [52:46]

2. We must resist the temptation to compare our gifts with those of others. God has given each of us unique abilities and spiritual gifts, and it's our responsibility to use them in service to His kingdom. Comparison can lead to a sense of inadequacy and inactivity, which hinders us from fulfilling our God-given purpose. [01:00:05]

3. Jesus' sacrifice has made it possible for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our relationship with Him is restored. This assurance allows us to live boldly and without shame, regardless of our past. Our calling is to embrace this new identity and walk in the freedom Christ has secured for us. [01:07:54]

4. Acknowledging and utilizing our spiritual gifts is essential for living out our calling. We must not pretend to be empty-handed or allow feelings of inadequacy to prevent us from stepping into our God-given roles. Instead, we should actively participate in the work God has for us, using the gifts He has entrusted to us. [01:05:59]

5. Our purpose and calling are not just about the tasks we perform but about who we are becoming in Christ. The transformation of our character and the way we live our lives in love and service are of utmost importance. As we grow in our relationship with God, our understanding of our unique calling will become clearer. [01:04:43]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
2. Psalm 139:13-16
3. Ephesians 1:4-5

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#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:2, what does it mean to be called by God to be His own holy people?
2. In Psalm 139:13-16, how does the psalmist describe God's involvement in our creation?
3. What does Ephesians 1:4-5 say about God's purpose for us before the creation of the world?
4. In the sermon, what illustration did the pastor use to explain the importance of consulting our Creator to understand our purpose? ([40:55])

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are "set apart as holy" through Jesus Christ change our perspective on our daily lives and actions? ([52:46])
2. What are the implications of knowing that God has given us every spiritual gift we need to fulfill our purpose, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:7? ([51:10])
3. How can the assurance of being restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus' sacrifice empower us to live boldly and without shame? ([01:07:54])
4. How does the concept of being "knit together" by God in Psalm 139 influence our understanding of our unique calling and purpose?

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How have you been living out the idea of being "set apart as holy" in your daily actions and decisions? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this calling? ([52:46])
2. Think about the unique gifts God has given you. How can you use these gifts more effectively in service to His kingdom? Are there specific areas where you have been comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate? ([01:00:05])
3. Consider a time when you felt disqualified from serving God because of your past. How does the truth of Jesus' sacrifice restoring our relationship with God change your perspective on this? ([01:07:54])
4. Identify one spiritual gift you believe God has given you. How can you actively participate in the work God has for you using this gift? What steps will you take this week to put this into practice? ([01:05:59])
5. Reflect on the transformation of your character. How are you becoming more like Christ in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to grow in your relationship with God and better understand your unique calling? ([01:04:43])
6. How can you resist the temptation to compare your gifts with those of others? What practical steps can you take to cultivate gratitude for the unique abilities God has placed within you? ([01:00:05])
7. In what ways can you draw closer to God to understand His will for your life? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to deepen your relationship with Him? ([01:06:39])

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This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the themes of purpose and calling as presented in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Holiness as Identity
Holiness is often misunderstood as a set of rules to follow, but it is much more about identity. Being set apart as holy is not about legalism; it's about recognizing that through Jesus Christ, one is called to live a life that reflects belonging to God. This holy calling is not earned by actions but is a response to the grace already given. It's a transformation that affects every aspect of life, calling for a different way of living that aligns with the character of God and the love He has shown.

"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1

Reflection: How does understanding your identity as holy change the way you approach your daily actions and decisions? [52:46]

Day 2: Celebrating Uniqueness Without Comparison
Comparison can be a thief of joy and purpose, especially when it comes to the spiritual gifts God has given. Each person is uniquely equipped with abilities meant to serve God's kingdom in a specific way. Acknowledging and appreciating these gifts without falling into the trap of comparison allows for a healthier community and a more effective use of one's talents. It's important to focus on what has been given rather than what seems lacking, and to use those gifts in service to others.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10

Reflection: What unique gift have you been given, and how can you use it today to serve someone in your community? [01:00:05]

Day 3: Boldness in Restored Relationship
The past does not have to define the present or the future, especially when it comes to serving God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are restored to a right relationship with God, allowing them to approach Him with confidence. This new identity in Christ is a call to live boldly, without shame, and to embrace the freedom that comes from being forgiven and made new. It's an invitation to leave the past behind and step into the calling God has for each life.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflection: What part of your past are you allowing to hold you back, and how can you step into the freedom Christ offers today? [01:07:54]

Day 4: Utilizing Gifts in God's Service
Believers are not left empty-handed when it comes to living out their calling. God has provided spiritual gifts to each person, and it's crucial to recognize and utilize these gifts. Denying or downplaying these gifts out of a sense of inadequacy only hinders the work God has planned. Instead, it's essential to actively participate in God's service, confidently using the abilities He has entrusted to each individual.

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." - Romans 12:3

Reflection: Are there any spiritual gifts you have been neglecting or underutilizing, and what is one step you can take today to begin using them for God's glory? [01:05:59]

Day 5: Becoming Who We Are Called to Be
The journey of discovering one's purpose and calling is not solely about the tasks one performs but about the transformation into who God is calling them to be. It's about character development and living a life of love and service that reflects Jesus Christ. As believers grow in their relationship with God, their understanding of their unique calling becomes clearer, and their lives increasingly mirror the love of Christ to the world.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Reflection: In what ways is God calling you to grow in character, and how can you take a step towards that growth today? [01:04:43]

Quotes

1. "So many Christ followers live their lives from a deficit because of jealousy and comparison. One of the most wide-reaching excuses for inactivity from believers connected to the mission of Jesus is jealousy and comparison. We excuse ourselves for meaningful missional activity connected to the kingdom of heaven and connected to Jesus' church." [01:00:05](Download clip | | )

2. "You have complete strength and boldness and confidence right now that whatever's in your hand, whatever job you're doing, whatever grades you have in school, whatever activities you find meaningful, whatever you give your time to right now, how you do that matters more." [01:01:24]( | | )

3. "Strength is a part of who you're becoming as a Christ follower. It is how you're meant to do whatever you're going to do. Do it from a place of strength. Boldness is a part of who you're becoming as a follower of Jesus. It's how you're meant to do whatever you're going to do. In strength and in boldness, free from blame." [01:02:26]( | | )

4. "If you have a prophetic gift on your life, you might be like, well, when is my gift going to be recognized? To prophesy is to use scripture to encourage other people to level up. That's all it is. Do that with as much faith. You don't have to wait for a mic or a season or a platform." [01:03:53]( | | )

5. "How we walk in love, how we look to the creator, how we understand that our calling comes and flows out of the heart of the one who has called us. Reminds me of Colossians 3, whatever you do in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord. Whatever you do. I'm a plumber, pastor. Is that good enough? Yeah." [01:04:43]( | | )

6. "You were knit together, handcrafted by a creative creator in your mother's room from the moment of conception until the day you take your last breath. God breathed. God breathed. God breathed into you and hardwired things. You are unique and you're set apart and you've been given gifts." [01:05:59]( | | )

7. "Your life is unique. Isaiah 46, listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I've cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you." [45:09]( | | )

8. "There's a creative, inherent uniqueness to your life unlike any other human being. God has a purpose and a plan for your days. There's a God-breathed calling on your life. This isn't like stumble around in the dark and I hope I figure this out one day. No, there is a purpose and a plan for your days." [46:42]( | | )

9. "God, breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. Most certainly, when you're made new, when you surrender your life to Jesus, become a follower of Jesus, God fills you up from the inside out with his spirit, the Holy Spirit. And there are unique gifts and abilities that the Holy Spirit wants to pull out of every person." [48:06]( | | )

10. "God's calling for you is to live as his set-apart holy creation. Not better than the rest of the world, just different. Set-apart. You've been called set-apart holy for God's unique creation. Believers are set-apart for God just as the utensils in the temple. But precisely because they are set-apart, they must also bear the character of the God who has thus set them apart." [52:46]( | | )

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Transcript
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