Embracing Divine Purpose Through Faith and Trust

Summary

In the sacred journey of faith, we are reminded that our past does not define our future. God, in His infinite mercy and grace, orchestrates a divine turnaround in the lives of those who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Once we were not a people, but now we are God's people; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy. This transformation is not just a change of status; it is a complete reorientation of our identity and purpose.

Through Christ, we are called and set apart for something special. Each one of us has a unique role to play in the unfolding story of God's kingdom. It is not for us to minimize our calling by comparing it with others. The scope and impact of our divine appointment are beyond our comprehension, and it is a privilege to be entrusted with any responsibility in God's kingdom.

The life of Joseph serves as a powerful example of God's providence and the preservation of His plan. Despite the brewing tension and animosity between Joseph and his brothers, God's sovereignty was at work. Joseph's dreams, which seemed to foretell his future prominence, incited his brothers' jealousy and led to their plot to kill him. However, God intervened through Reuben, who suggested they throw Joseph into a pit instead of taking his life.

Joseph's journey from the pit to Potiphar's house in Egypt may have seemed like a detour from the fulfillment of his dreams. Yet, God was in the details, working through every circumstance to bring about His divine purpose. Even when life's direction seems contrary to the calling we have received, we must trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about a turnaround.

As we embark on a new year, let us commit to engaging daily with God's Word, allowing it to shape our character and draw us closer to Him. Let us hold fast to the calling God has placed upon our lives, trusting that He will preserve His plan and bring it to completion.

Key Takeaways:

- God's transformative power redefines our identity and purpose, setting us apart for His divine plan. We must embrace our unique calling without comparing it to others, recognizing the privilege of serving in God's kingdom. [17:39]

- The story of Joseph teaches us that God's sovereignty is meticulously at work in our lives. Even when we face trials and adversity, God is orchestrating a divine turnaround that will lead to favor, goodness, and glory. [03:16]

- Our calling may be met with opposition, but we can be assured that if God has initiated a plan in our lives, He will see it through to completion. We must remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God preserves His plans against all odds. [24:15]

- The direction of our lives may not always seem to align with the calling we have received, but God's sovereignty ensures that we are being led to the fulfillment of His purpose. Trust in His guidance and remain faithful to the path He illuminates. [32:27]

- Our engagement with God's Word is crucial for our spiritual growth and alignment with His will. As we commit to daily interaction with the Scriptures, we will be drawn into a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and equipped to live out our calling. [00:37]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 37:1-28
2. Ephesians 2:10
3. 1 Peter 2:10

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the reasons for the tension and animosity between Joseph and his brothers? ([07:18])
2. How did Reuben intervene when his brothers plotted to kill Joseph, and what was his intention? ([06:06])
3. What was the significance of Joseph's dreams, and how did his family react to them? ([04:28])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Joseph's story illustrate God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate a divine turnaround in our lives? ([02:36])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our calling from God is unique and should not be compared to others? ([17:39])
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of daily engagement with God's Word for our spiritual growth and alignment with His will? ([00:37])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like your life was not aligning with the calling you believed God had placed on you. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([32:27])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not minimizing our calling by comparing it with others. How can you focus on and embrace your unique calling this week? ([18:23])
3. Joseph's story shows that God's plans often involve unexpected detours. How can you trust in God's sovereignty when your life takes an unexpected turn? ([02:36])
4. The sermon encourages daily interaction with God's Word. What specific steps can you take to make this a consistent part of your routine? ([00:37])
5. Think about a current challenge or trial you are facing. How can you see God's hand at work in this situation, and how can you remain steadfast in faith? ([24:15])
6. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to hold fast to their unique callings and trust in God's plan for their lives? ([17:39])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust more in God's guidance and sovereignty. What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him? ([35:33])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing a Redefined Identity
Our identity and purpose are not static; they are dynamic and divinely inspired. When we enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, there is a profound transformation that occurs. This transformation is not merely a change in status but a complete overhaul of who we are and what we are called to do. As individuals, we are each given a unique role within the grand narrative of God's kingdom. It is essential to recognize that our calling is not to be compared with others, as each is distinct and significant in its own right. The privilege of serving within God's kingdom is a testament to His trust in us to fulfill the roles He has designed specifically for us. [17:39]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding your unique identity in Christ change the way you view your purpose and daily actions?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
The narrative of Joseph is a testament to the meticulous workings of God's sovereignty in our lives. Even in the face of adversity and trials, such as those faced by Joseph, there is an assurance that God is at work, orchestrating events for our ultimate good and His glory. The jealousy of Joseph's brothers and the subsequent actions they took against him were all part of a larger divine plan that God used to elevate Joseph to a position of prominence. This teaches us that no matter the challenges or setbacks we encounter, God is capable of turning them around for a greater purpose. We must maintain our faith in God's sovereignty, especially when our circumstances seem to contradict the dreams and callings He has placed in our hearts. [03:16]

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20 ESV)

Reflection: Can you recall a time when a difficult situation in your life was used by God for a greater purpose?

Day 3: Perseverance in Our Divine Calling
Opposition and challenges may arise when we pursue the calling God has placed upon our lives. However, we can take comfort in knowing that if God has initiated a plan for us, He is faithful to see it through to completion. Our role is to remain steadfast in faith, even when the odds seem stacked against us. The assurance that God preserves His plans against all adversities should give us the strength to persevere. We are called to trust in His timing and His methods, knowing that our understanding is limited, but His vision is all-encompassing. [24:15]

"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 is one area in your life where you need to trust God's faithfulness to complete His work, and how can you demonstrate perseverance in this area?

Day 4: Aligning with God's Purpose Amidst Detours
Life's journey is rarely a straight path, and often, the direction we are heading in may not seem to align with the calling we have received. However, it is in these moments that we must trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to guide us to the fulfillment of His purpose. Just as Joseph's path took unexpected turns, our own paths may also take us through seasons of waiting or redirection. These periods are not without reason; they are often the times when God is preparing us, shaping our character, and aligning our steps with His greater plan. [32:27]

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9 ESV)

Reflection: What current 'detour' in your life might God be using to prepare you for His purpose, and how can you embrace this season with trust?

Day 5: Engaging with God's Word for Spiritual Growth
Our daily engagement with God's Word is crucial for our spiritual growth and for maintaining alignment with His will. The Scriptures serve as our guide, our source of truth, and the means by which we draw closer to God. As we commit to reading, meditating on, and applying the Word of God to our lives, we find ourselves being transformed and equipped to live out our divine calling. This daily interaction with the Bible is not just a ritual; it is a lifeline that connects us to the heart of our Heavenly Father and empowers us to walk in the fullness of our identity in Christ. [00:37]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can deepen your engagement with Scripture this week, and how will you implement this change in your daily routine?

Quotes

"Our God never does anything without purpose. He gives us a purpose-filled life. A life with Jesus is a purpose-filled life." [14:00](Download)

"God's sovereignty is everywhere over our lives and no story in scripture shows that maybe more meticulously than Joseph's." [02:36](Download)

"God's never going to show up in your life with a plan and then not follow through. His plans don't change; you don't have to reorganize because something unexpected happened." [26:27](Download)

"God preserves his plans even though the world may place a pit in front of the plans that God has for you, but it's always going to be an empty attempt." [27:32](Download)

"If God prepared the plan, God will preserve the plan. If God started it in you, he will finish it through you." [24:15](Download)

"God is in the details. It's one of the turnarounds that he works. The only unused life is an unwilling life." [16:31](Download)

"Don't be dismayed if you feel like life isn't going in the direction you think it should to lead you into the call that you know you've received. God's in the turnaround." [35:33](Download)

"Once you weren't a people, once we had no inheritance, once our life was devoid of purpose or plan with eternal bearing apart from him. But through Christ, we have been called and set apart for new things." [17:39](Download)

"God has a plan not just for Joseph's life but for each and every one of you here tonight as well. God is the preserver of that plan." [18:59](Download)

"Joseph's dream hasn't died. In the same way, men and women of God, your calling hasn't been removed. Trust in His sovereignty, trust in His plan." [35:33](Download)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?