Discovering Your Unique Purpose in God's Plan
Summary
In our journey through the series "People of Purpose," we delve into the profound truth that God has tailor-made a purpose for each of us, much like a bespoke suit is crafted for an individual. This purpose is not a one-size-fits-all; it is intricately designed to fit the unique contours of our lives, taking into account our experiences, circumstances, and even our weaknesses. We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He has prepared in advance for us to do.
Our primary purpose is to have a relationship with our Creator. This relationship is the fabric from which our purpose is cut. Without it, we are like a fish out of water, unable to thrive. Our idols—those things we elevate above God—become like ill-fitting garments, never quite satisfying us. In Christ, we find the perfect fit, a relationship that covers our faults and washes us clean.
Loving God, as we are commanded, is expressed through obedience to His will. Obedience to God is distinct from obedience to man. It is not burdensome because it comes from a place of divine love. God, in His perfection, laid down His life for us, and in response, we are called to lay down ours in obedience to Him. This obedience is not about following a list of do's and don'ts but about living in alignment with God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Our purpose is not static; it is dynamic, changing with the seasons of life. It is not limited to grand visions but often found in the everyday moments—raising children, being a light at work, or caring for a neighbor. Our purpose is discovered through obedience and willingness to say "yes" to God's leading, step by step.
As we seek to understand our unique calling, we must remember that it is not about us. We are part of a larger narrative where God is the main character. Our roles, though significant, are supporting ones. Like Esther, we may find ourselves in a "such a time as this" moment, where our actions can have eternal impact. We must be willing to step into these moments, trusting that God has placed us where we are for a reason.
In seeking our purpose, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, which He promises to give generously. A practical step is to consider the intersection of our passions, skills, needs, and what we can be paid for. This exercise, while not definitive, can guide us toward understanding how God has uniquely crafted us for His purposes.
In conclusion, our purpose is found in a loving relationship with God, expressed through obedience and lived out in the unique opportunities God places before us. It is discovered in the willingness to ask, listen, and respond to God's leading, trusting that He will reveal the next steps on our journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Our primary purpose is to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, from which all other aspects of our purpose flow. This relationship is the cornerstone of our existence, and without it, we cannot fully understand or fulfill the unique calling God has for each of us. [04:27]
- Obedience to God is an expression of our love for Him and is fundamentally different from obedience to human authority. It is not a burden but a response to the perfect love of a Savior who laid down His life for us. In this obedience, we find our true freedom and the path to fulfilling our God-given purpose. [09:28]
- Our purpose is dynamic and multifaceted, changing with the seasons of life. It is not confined to a single grand mission but is often found in the ordinary and everyday responsibilities God entrusts to us. By embracing the roles we are given in each season, we live out the purposes God has tailored for us. [13:00]
- We must be ready to step into our "such a time as this" moments, recognizing that God has placed us in specific situations for a reason. Like Esther, we may be called to act in ways that have significant impact on the lives of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. [14:52]
- Seeking our purpose requires humility and a willingness to ask God for wisdom. He is faithful to guide us as we navigate the intersection of our passions, skills, and the needs we see around us. By remaining open to His leading, we can discover the unique works He has prepared for us to do. [23:29]
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. 1 Timothy 2:4 (NIV) - "Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
3. Esther 4:14 (NIV) - "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what are we created for, and who prepared these works for us?
2. In 1 Timothy 2:4, what does God desire for all people?
3. What was Esther's unique position and purpose as described in Esther 4:14?
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between our purpose and our relationship with God? ([04:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are God’s handiwork (Ephesians 2:10) influence our view of our personal purpose?
2. What does it mean to have a relationship with God as the foundation of our purpose, and how does this relationship shape our daily lives? ([04:27])
3. How can we discern the specific good works God has prepared for us, especially in different seasons of life? ([13:00])
4. What does the story of Esther teach us about recognizing and stepping into our "such a time as this" moments? ([14:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. How can you deepen this relationship to better understand your purpose? ([04:27])
2. Identify any "idols" in your life that might be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take to remove these idols? ([05:01])
3. Think about a recent situation where you felt called to act but hesitated. How can you prepare yourself to say "yes" to God's leading in the future? ([13:00])
4. How can you practice obedience to God in your daily life, and what changes might this require in your current routines or habits? ([09:28])
5. Consider a "such a time as this" moment in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([14:52])
6. Reflect on the intersection of your passions, skills, and the needs around you. How can you use this understanding to serve others and fulfill your God-given purpose? ([23:29])
7. Pray for wisdom and guidance in discovering your unique purpose. What practical steps can you take this week to seek God's direction? ([23:29])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Relationship with the Creator
God has intricately woven a purpose for each individual, one that is as unique as a bespoke suit, tailored to fit the distinct shape of our lives. This purpose is not a generic blueprint; it is a divine plan that considers every aspect of who we are—our experiences, our circumstances, and even our weaknesses. As God's handiwork, we are created in Christ Jesus to engage in good works, which He has prepared in advance for us to undertake.
The cornerstone of this purpose is the relationship we have with our Creator. It is from this deep, personal connection that all other aspects of our purpose flow. Like a fish that thrives in water, we are designed to flourish within the context of this divine relationship. When we prioritize other things above God, we find ourselves in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction, much like wearing clothes that never fit right. In contrast, a relationship with Christ offers a perfect fit, covering our faults and cleansing us from within.
This relationship is not passive; it is active and is demonstrated through our obedience to God's will. This obedience is not burdensome but is a joyful expression of our love for God, who, in His perfection, sacrificed His life for us. As we live in alignment with God's will, we find our true purpose and freedom.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today, and what steps can you take to align your daily actions with His purpose for you? [07:40]
Day 2: Obedience as an Expression of Love
Obedience to God is a profound expression of our love for Him. It is fundamentally different from the obedience we might show to human authorities. When we obey God, it is not out of a sense of duty or compulsion but out of a heartfelt response to the love of a Savior who laid down His life for us. This obedience is liberating, guiding us along the path to fulfilling the unique purpose God has for each of us.
In this obedience, we find our true freedom. It is not about adhering to a strict set of rules but about living in harmony with God's good, pleasing, and perfect will. As we obey, we become more attuned to the divine purpose crafted for us, and our lives begin to reflect the love and grace that have been bestowed upon us.
1 John 5:3 (ESV)
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."
Reflection: What is one act of obedience you can practice today that reflects your love for God and contributes to living out your God-given purpose? [09:28]
Day 3: The Dynamic Nature of Purpose
Our purpose in life is dynamic, adapting to the various seasons we encounter. It is not confined to grandiose visions but is often discovered in the simple, everyday tasks entrusted to us by God. Whether it is raising children, being a positive influence at work, or caring for a neighbor, our purpose unfolds through the roles we embrace in each season of life.
By saying "yes" to God's leading and being obedient to His call, we step into the unique opportunities He places before us. Our purpose is not static; it evolves as we grow and change, always providing us with new ways to serve and honor God in our daily lives.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What are the everyday responsibilities God has entrusted to you, and how can you approach them with a renewed sense of purpose? [13:00]
Day 4: For Such a Time as This
We must be prepared to step into our "such a time as this" moments, recognizing that God has placed us in specific situations for a purpose. Like Esther, we may be called upon to take actions that can significantly impact the lives of others and further God's kingdom. These moments are part of a larger narrative where God is the protagonist, and we play a supporting role that is nonetheless significant.
Our willingness to act in these critical moments demonstrates our trust in God's sovereignty and our readiness to be used by Him for eternal purposes. By embracing the roles we are given, we participate in the unfolding of God's grand story.
Esther 4:14 (ESV)
"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Reflection: Can you identify a "such a time as this" moment in your life, and how can you courageously step into it, trusting that God has prepared you for this purpose? [14:52]
Day 5: Wisdom in Seeking Purpose
In the quest to understand our unique calling, humility is essential. We must be willing to ask God for wisdom, which He promises to give generously. As we navigate the intersection of our passions, skills, and the needs we observe, God faithfully guides us, revealing the specific works He has prepared for us to do.
This process of seeking our purpose is not about self-glorification but about finding our place in God's story. By remaining open to His leading and willing to respond to His call, we discover the unique path He has laid out for us.
James 1:5 (ESV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What are the passions and skills God has given you, and how can you use them to meet the needs around you while seeking His wisdom for your purpose? [23:29]
Quotes
1) "Obedience to God is not burdensome because only in Christ do we find someone who completely and perfectly loved us." [09:28] (Download)
2) "God has placed you in the unique situation, the very unique moment in time for just such a time as this." [16:36] (Download)
3) "God has created good works specifically for you to do, not the person next to you, the person behind you, but for you to do." [02:42] (Download)
4) "God is the main character that Jesus is the main character of our story and God gives us the opportunity to be a part to be a supporting character in the story that God is writing." [15:23] (Download)
5) "God's going to provide relief from somewhere else and it's a reminder that whatever God has called us to first and foremost it is not about you and me." [15:23] (Download)
6) "God didn't call me to church planning seven years ago, God called me to say yes to what he put in front of me." [19:32] (Download)
7) "God says you just ask me and I'll reveal it to you, now it's not always in our timing." [21:17] (Download)
8) "God may just reveal some of those purposes that he has called you to in this unique season of life." [22:48] (Download)
9) "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." [23:29] (Download)
10) "We are your Masterpiece created for good works and so Lord I pray for everyone in this room as they are considering what you have created them to do." [25:16] (Download)
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