Driven by Purpose: Embracing Our Divine Calling
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of being driven by a purpose, particularly as it relates to our faith and the example set by Jesus Christ. We began by reflecting on the recent women's event, noting the evident movement of the Holy Spirit and the transformative power it had on those who attended. This led to an anticipation for the upcoming men's event in May, with the expectation of a similar empowering experience.
We then transitioned into our new sermon series titled "Driven," which is focused on understanding what drove Christ during His earthly ministry. As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus' mission went beyond His crucifixion; He was driven by a purpose throughout His three and a half years of ministry.
The core of today's message was centered on Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring His mission to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the captives, restore sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free. This passage not only highlights Jesus' purpose but also serves as a cornerstone for our series.
We delved into the importance of identifying our divine purpose, just as Jesus did. We must communicate with God regularly to stay on track with the purpose He has given us. Like Jesus, we are not meant to act alone; He chose twelve disciples to carry on His work, emphasizing the need for community and the power of divine purpose.
In living out our purpose, we must actively engage with our community, applying Jesus's model to our lives. This can be done through volunteering, participating in church ministries, and offering our skills and talents to help those in need. We are reminded that our purpose is not just for Sundays but for every day, as we are called to be Kingdom Dwellers.
Finally, we closed with a call to action, inviting those seeking clarity, courage, and guidance on their purpose to come forward for prayer. We prayed for understanding, courage to step out in faith, and guidance on how to use our gifts to serve God's kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying our divine purpose is the first step toward living a life that honors God. Just as Jesus was clear about His mission, we must seek clarity about our unique role in God's plan. This requires regular communication with God and a willingness to listen and act upon His guidance. [01:06:54]
- Living out our purpose requires active engagement, not passive acknowledgment. Jesus didn't wait for people to come to Him; He went out and ministered to them. Similarly, we must take our faith beyond the church walls and into our communities, serving and sharing the love of Christ with others. [50:50]
- Community is essential in fulfilling our purpose. Jesus chose twelve disciples to work alongside Him, demonstrating the importance of fellowship and collaboration. We too must engage with others in our church and beyond, recognizing that we are part of a larger body of believers working together for God's glory. [01:08:30]
- Our purpose is empowered by the divine. When God gives us a purpose, it comes with the power to accomplish it. Jesus knew His purpose was empowered by His Father, and we can have confidence that God equips us with what we need to fulfill our calling. [01:10:05]
- Embracing our divine purpose is a lifelong journey. It is not a destination but a path we walk daily, making choices that align with God's will. As we grow in faith and understanding, our purpose may evolve, but it always moves us closer to the person God intends us to be. [01:03:29]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 4:18-19 (NIV): "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific mission did Jesus declare in Luke 4:18-19? How does this passage outline His purpose? [35:35]
2. According to the sermon, what was the significance of Jesus choosing twelve disciples to work alongside Him? [59:02]
3. How did Jesus prepare for His mission before reading from the scroll in the synagogue? [33:40]
4. What are some ways Jesus actively engaged with His community during His ministry? [49:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to identify their divine purpose, as Jesus did? How does this impact their daily lives? [44:01]
2. How does the concept of community play a role in fulfilling one's divine purpose, according to the sermon? [59:02]
3. What does it mean to live out one's purpose actively, rather than passively acknowledging it? How did Jesus exemplify this? [49:07]
4. How can understanding that our purpose is empowered by the divine give us confidence in our calling? [59:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your divine purpose. Have you identified it? If not, what steps can you take this week to seek clarity from God? [44:01]
2. Jesus actively engaged with His community. What are some specific ways you can engage with your community to live out your faith? [49:07]
3. Community is essential in fulfilling our purpose. How can you foster stronger relationships within your church or small group to support each other’s divine purposes? [59:02]
4. Think about a time when you felt driven by a purpose. How did it affect your actions and decisions? How can you apply that same drive to your spiritual life? [49:07]
5. Jesus chose twelve disciples to help carry out His mission. Who are the people in your life that you can partner with to fulfill your divine purpose? How can you support each other? [59:02]
6. Reflect on the idea that our purpose is empowered by the divine. How does this change your perspective on the challenges you face in living out your purpose? [59:02]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to move beyond being a "Sunday Dweller" and become more of a "Kingdom Dweller"? [49:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Clarity in Divine Purpose
Seeking clarity in our divine purpose is essential to living a life that honors God. It is not enough to simply have a vague idea of wanting to do good or to serve; one must actively pursue a clear understanding of the specific role they are meant to play in God's grand design. This pursuit involves regular, intentional communication with God, where one listens for His guidance and is prepared to act upon it. It is a process of discovery that requires patience, prayer, and reflection. As individuals gain clarity on their divine purpose, they find that their actions and decisions become more aligned with God's will, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful life.
"For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body." (1 Corinthians 12:14-15 ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to seek clarity about your divine purpose from God? [07:40]
Day 2: Active Engagement in Purpose
Living out our purpose requires more than just understanding it; it demands active engagement. Jesus set the ultimate example by not waiting for people to approach Him, but by reaching out and ministering to those in need. In the same way, we are called to take our faith into the world, to serve and to share the love of Christ actively. This means volunteering, participating in church ministries, and using our unique skills and talents to make a difference in the lives of others. It's about making our faith visible through our actions every day, not just within the walls of the church but in every aspect of our lives.
"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 in your community this week to live out your purpose? [50:50]
Day 3: The Importance of Community
The journey of fulfilling our divine purpose is not meant to be a solitary one. Jesus chose twelve disciples to work alongside Him, demonstrating the importance of fellowship and collaboration in ministry. We, too, are called to engage with others in our church and beyond, recognizing that we are part of a larger body of believers. Working together allows us to support each other, share our strengths, and achieve more than we could alone. It is through this community that we find encouragement, accountability, and a shared sense of mission.
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
Reflection: Who can you partner with in your community to better fulfill your divine purpose? [01:08:30]
Day 4: Empowered by the Divine
When God assigns us a purpose, He also provides the power and resources necessary to accomplish it. Jesus was confident in His mission because He knew it was empowered by His Father. We can take heart in the fact that when we align ourselves with God's purpose for our lives, we are not relying on our own strength but on the divine power that God supplies. This empowerment is what enables us to overcome obstacles, to persist in the face of challenges, and to make a real difference in the world.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's empowering presence in your pursuit of your divine purpose? [01:10:05]
Day 5: Embracing the Lifelong Journey
Embracing our divine purpose is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It involves daily choices that align with God's will and contribute to our growth as individuals. As we walk this path, our understanding of our purpose may evolve, but it always propels us closer to becoming the person God intends us to be. This journey is marked by continuous learning, adapting, and deepening of our faith, as we seek to live out our purpose in all areas of our life.
"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." (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Reflection: What daily choices can you make starting today to align more closely with your divine purpose? [01:03:29]
Quotes
"Jesus understood and identified his purpose and he knew that his driven purpose was to do the will of the Father. And so he constantly did things that his actions aligned to the will of God." [41:22] ()
"God wants you to reach others that can live eternity with him. The more you talk with God the clearer your divine purpose will be." [01:06:54] ()
"God's calling you because he wants to feed into you and send you out to do what your purpose is for the kingdom of God." [01:06:54] ()
"We need to be driven by a purpose that is given to us by the creator. You need to know what your purpose is." [01:11:45] ()
"Christ is our example in identifying a purpose, living out of purpose and then engaging actively on that purpose." [01:11:45] ()
"Jesus did not do it alone. And so neither should you. If you think you're a lone ranger, then this might not be the church for you." [01:13:49] ()
"Christ was driven by his purpose. He lived out his purpose. And it leads us to the last part is because Jesus knew that there was power in divine purpose." [57:48] ()
"It's in the divine purpose that you begin to live towards a perfect life. And when you breathe your last breath on this side of eternity and you're on the other side, that's when you fulfilled your purpose." [59:41] ()
"He calls you in. Take a step of faith. Trust me. And when you trust Christ, when you trust God, then he's going to give you a purpose." [01:03:29] ()
"Instead I became a God, called me to teach. And so instead of focusing on my fatherly dad's purpose for me, I switched my focus to my godly father's purpose for me." [48:59] ()
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