Embracing Faith: Discovering Our Unique Roles in God’s Plan

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of faith and the unique roles each of us plays in God's grand design. We began by hearing from Mike and Tippy Littlefield, who are preparing to embark on a mission as a pilot and nurse, respectively, to support remote ministries. Their story is a testament to the call of God to spread His word to the ends of the earth, as highlighted in Acts 1:8. This call is not just for those who go but also for those who support through prayer and financial means, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

We reflected on the importance of recognizing our individual roles within the body of Christ, akin to links in a chain, each vital and unique. This diversity of roles is crucial for the mission of spreading the Gospel. Whether through direct mission work, prayer, or financial support, each contribution is significant. The emphasis was on the necessity of faith and action, rather than being paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes or not knowing God's perfect plan.

The sermon also challenged us to consider our own restlessness and the sense of a greater purpose. We were encouraged to act on our convictions, to take steps of faith, and to pursue the dreams God has placed in our hearts. The story of Dean Karnazes, who discovered his extraordinary running ability by simply deciding to run one night, served as an illustration of the unexpected potential that can be unlocked when we step out in faith.

We were reminded of the biblical examples of Rahab and Samson, who, despite their flaws, were commended for their faith. This highlights that God values our faith and willingness to act more than our perfection. The message concluded with a call to live by faith, to trust in God's promises, and to pursue His kingdom with confidence, knowing that our efforts, even if imperfect, are pleasing to Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Embrace Your Unique Role: Each of us has a distinct role in God's plan, much like links in a chain. Whether through direct mission work, prayer, or financial support, every contribution is vital to the mission of spreading the Gospel. Embrace your role and recognize its importance in the body of Christ. [05:06]

- Act on Convictions: Faith is about taking action, even when the path isn't clear. Like Mike, who pursued various mission opportunities until doors opened, we should be willing to try different paths and trust God to guide us. Don't let fear of mistakes paralyze you; step out in faith. [24:20]

- Discover Your Potential: Sometimes, our true potential is revealed when we take unexpected steps of faith. The story of Dean Karnazes illustrates how acting on a sudden conviction can lead to discovering hidden gifts. Be open to exploring new paths and uncovering what God has placed within you. [19:33]

- God Values Faith Over Perfection: Biblical figures like Rahab and Samson were commended for their faith despite their imperfections. God values our willingness to act in faith more than our ability to execute a perfect plan. Trust that your efforts, even if flawed, are pleasing to Him. [42:53]

- Live by Faith, Not Fear: The righteous live by faith, confident in God's promises. Avoid shrinking back in fear or doubt. Instead, pursue God's kingdom with boldness, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him earnestly. Your faith-driven actions are a testament to your trust in Him. [35:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:08] - Mike and Tippy's Mission
- [03:09] - Becoming a Missionary Pilot
- [04:09] - God's Promise and Our Role
- [05:06] - Embracing Our Unique Roles
- [06:16] - The Power of Prayer and Support
- [08:39] - Praying for Mike and Tippy
- [10:08] - Personal Connection in Support
- [11:32] - Making Faith the Focus
- [12:55] - Mike's Journey of Faith
- [15:13] - Restlessness and Purpose
- [19:33] - Discovering Hidden Potential
- [24:20] - Acting on Convictions
- [35:14] - Living by Faith
- [42:53] - God Values Faith Over Perfection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 1:8
- Hebrews 10:32-39
- Hebrews 11:31-32

---

Observation Questions:

1. What roles are Mike and Tippy Littlefield preparing to take on, and how do these roles contribute to spreading the Gospel? [02:08]

2. How does the sermon describe the interconnectedness of the body of Christ in fulfilling God's mission? [05:06]

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea of acting on convictions and stepping out in faith? [24:20]

4. How are the biblical figures Rahab and Samson used in the sermon to highlight the value of faith over perfection? [42:53]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that each person's unique role is vital to the mission of spreading the Gospel? How does this relate to the concept of the body of Christ? [05:06]

2. How does the story of Dean Karnazes serve as an illustration of discovering one's potential through unexpected steps of faith? What does this suggest about the nature of faith? [19:33]

3. The sermon mentions the fear of making mistakes as a barrier to action. How does the sermon suggest overcoming this fear, and what role does faith play in this process? [24:20]

4. How does the sermon use the examples of Rahab and Samson to convey the message that God values faith over perfection? What implications does this have for how we view our own imperfections? [42:53]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your unique role within the body of Christ. How can you embrace and act on this role more fully in your daily life? [05:06]

2. Consider a conviction or dream that God has placed in your heart. What is one step of faith you can take this week to pursue it, even if the path isn't clear? [24:20]

3. Identify a fear or hesitation that has been holding you back from taking action in your faith journey. What practical steps can you take to overcome this fear and step out in faith? [24:20]

4. Think about a time when you felt restless or sensed a greater purpose in your life. How can you channel that restlessness into positive action for God's kingdom? [15:13]

5. Reflect on the biblical examples of Rahab and Samson. How can you apply the lesson that God values faith over perfection in your own life, especially when you feel inadequate? [42:53]

6. How can you live by faith and not shrink back in fear, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:38-39? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this faith in your daily life? [35:14]

7. Consider the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. How can you support others in their roles, whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial support? [06:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Unique Role
Each person has a distinct role in God's plan, much like links in a chain. This diversity is crucial for the mission of spreading the Gospel. Whether through direct mission work, prayer, or financial support, every contribution is vital. Embracing your role means recognizing its importance in the body of Christ and understanding that your unique gifts and talents are essential to the collective mission. The interconnectedness of the body of Christ means that each person's efforts, no matter how small they may seem, contribute to the greater purpose of God's kingdom. [05:06]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you possess that can contribute to the mission of spreading the Gospel? How can you actively use them in your community this week?


Day 2: Act on Convictions
Faith is about taking action, even when the path isn't clear. Like Mike, who pursued various mission opportunities until doors opened, we should be willing to try different paths and trust God to guide us. Fear of making mistakes can paralyze us, but stepping out in faith means trusting that God will lead us, even if the journey is uncertain. Acting on convictions requires courage and a willingness to move forward despite doubts, knowing that God values our efforts and will use them for His purposes. [24:20]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What is one conviction or calling you have felt recently? What practical step can you take today to act on that conviction, trusting God to guide your path?


Day 3: Discover Your Potential
Sometimes, our true potential is revealed when we take unexpected steps of faith. The story of Dean Karnazes illustrates how acting on a sudden conviction can lead to discovering hidden gifts. Being open to exploring new paths and uncovering what God has placed within you can lead to surprising and fulfilling outcomes. This journey of discovery requires a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown, trusting that God has equipped you with unique abilities for His purposes. [19:33]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God might be calling you to step out in faith? How can you begin to explore this potential today?


Day 4: God Values Faith Over Perfection
Biblical figures like Rahab and Samson were commended for their faith despite their imperfections. God values our willingness to act in faith more than our ability to execute a perfect plan. Trusting that your efforts, even if flawed, are pleasing to Him is a liberating truth. It allows you to focus on being faithful rather than perfect, knowing that God can use your imperfections for His glory. This perspective encourages you to take bold steps of faith, confident that God is more interested in your heart and intentions than in flawless execution. [42:53]

Hebrews 11:31-32 (ESV): "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you striving for perfection instead of faithfulness? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's grace and His ability to work through your imperfections?


Day 5: Live by Faith, Not Fear
The righteous live by faith, confident in God's promises. Avoid shrinking back in fear or doubt. Instead, pursue God's kingdom with boldness, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him earnestly. Living by faith means trusting in God's promises and stepping out with confidence, even when circumstances are uncertain. It involves a commitment to pursue God's kingdom with courage, knowing that your faith-driven actions are a testament to your trust in Him. This approach to life encourages you to embrace challenges and opportunities with a spirit of boldness and hope. [35:14]

Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV): "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."

Reflection: What is one fear or doubt that is holding you back from fully living by faith? How can you confront this fear today and take a step towards trusting in God's promises?

Quotes


I look at it we all have different roles I look at it as being like a chain and uh each one of us is a different Link in the chain and uh we're all different we're all in a different position but we're all part of the same chain it's kind of like the body of Christ. [00:05:01]

The whole point of it all being involved with it is um God says also or Jesus the last thing he said on this planet before ascended into heaven was uh that he would uh he said you will receive power when the uh when the Holy Spirit comes and you will be my Witnesses. [00:03:57]

So anyways that I mean we all have our different roles God's going to use you guys in different roles maybe he's going to send some of you guys out maybe he's going to uh use you in a in a role that's a support role for for Ministry to pray maybe he's already using you. [00:05:46]

If God is going to do anything great through us it's going going to begin with the prayers of his Saints and so that's where it's going to start and so so we we we long and covet for your prayers um it's that's we recognize that it's only going to be God's work. [00:06:23]

He just goes that was good you had it in your heart it's not you're not going to be able plan a church but that's cute and I I love that you try remember when we tried to do that north campus at the boys and girls club like man we're running out of space here. [00:46:54]

I love that story because I don't know if the guy's a Christian I don't know a whole lot about him I know he can run and and I I I was just reading up on this guy just nuts but I love the fact that this guy just was tired of his life and said I'm just going to try. [00:21:26]

I love that David was heading the wrong direction God goes yeah that's that wasn't my plan but you did well to have it in your heart it just comforting to me I just go you know what God's just happy that I'm trying stuff in his name and and it just help me. [00:45:40]

I love this verse in in Chronicles about about David I'm going to put it on the screen look at this this is Solomon saying my father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the name of the Lord the god of Israel but the Lord said to my father David. [00:44:23]

I love that idea same thing in Corey they just both felt like I I got to do something more I mean Cory left SEI Valley to go help plant this church in uh in uh Ohio and things are going wonderful now and now he's going man you know what there's something else. [00:15:01]

I love the fact that this guy just was tired of his life and said I'm just going to try something I'm just going to run I'm just going to throw my shoes on and I'm just going to start running maybe I'll try running and he just went and did something. [00:21:26]

I love that faith and it was like this this epiphany of you know what we're all going to screw up we're all going to make mistakes who am I to think that I'm going to figure out this perfect plan I'm going to wait till I'm a Godly enough mature enough man. [00:42:53]

I love the fact that this guy just was tired of his life and said I'm just going to try something I'm just going to run I'm just going to throw my shoes on and I'm just going to start running maybe I'll try running and he just went and did something. [00:21:26]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 02, 2014. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?