Embracing God's Irrevocable Calling and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Good afternoon, everyone. Today, I want to talk about calling and purpose. This morning, my daughter asked me why I wasn't beautiful, which made me reflect on where my self-confidence comes from. It's not from others' opinions but from the Word of God. We all have a calling and purpose, and sometimes we need reminders of that. Dave spoke last week about being doers of the Word, not just hearers. This ties into our calling and purpose, which often don't align with our initial expectations.
When we were young, we had dreams about our future, but God's plan often looks different. We need to recalibrate our hearts to align with God's calling, both personally and corporately. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This takes the pressure off us and puts it back on God. We often try to solve problems on our own, but God wants us to rely on Him. He's not in the self-improvement business; He's in the miracle business.
God's calling is irrevocable. He doesn't change His mind about those He has called. Each of us has a unique purpose, and our skills and gifts are meant to complement each other, not compete. God's plan is better in magnitude, fulfillment, joy, peace, and impact. Romans 11:29 says, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." This means God didn't make a mistake when He called you.
Calling comes from a caller, and Jesus is our caller. We are all called to follow Jesus, love one another, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. But there are also personal callings unique to each of us. These can include our career choices, how we serve in the local church, and even our geographic location. There is no retirement from God's work; His calling lasts a lifetime.
To walk into your calling, thank God where you are, pray and listen to His Word, and stay open to opportunities. Your calling will be bigger than you can achieve on your own, and it will require collaboration with God and others. It will be others-focused and will not undermine His Word. It will reflect His character and build His Kingdom and the local church. Lastly, it will last beyond you, creating a legacy.
God's plan for you is not a straight line; it often involves twists and turns. But remember, what man meant for bad, God meant for good. Stay patient and keep going. God's timing is perfect, and His grace is sufficient for you to fulfill your calling.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Calling is Irrevocable: Romans 11:29 reminds us that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. He doesn't change His mind about those He has called, even when we face tough seasons. This assurance helps us trust in His plan, knowing that He didn't make a mistake when He called us. [46:52]
2. Seek First the Kingdom of God: Matthew 6:33 encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This shifts the burden from us to God, allowing us to focus on His ways rather than our own problem-solving skills. It’s a call to trust in God's provision and timing. [40:50]
3. Collaborative Calling: Our calling is not something we can achieve alone; it requires collaboration with God and others. This means being open to community and recognizing that our gifts are meant to complement, not compete with, others. [56:31]
4. Reflecting God's Character: Our calling will reflect God's character—kindness, grace, and mercy. It will build His Kingdom and the local church, not undermine them. This ensures that our actions align with His Word and purpose. [59:58]
5. Legacy Beyond You: Your calling will create a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime. Small actions, when aligned with God's purpose, can have a significant impact. This encourages us to stay faithful and patient, trusting that God’s timing and plan are perfect. [01:01:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:01] - Introduction to Calling and Purpose
[39:40] - Childhood Dreams and God's Plan
[40:50] - Seek First the Kingdom of God
[42:17] - God's Miraculous Transformation
[43:43] - God's Plan and Our Misunderstandings
[45:24] - Individual and Corporate Calling
[46:52] - God's Irrevocable Calling
[48:43] - Jesus as Our Caller
[50:13] - General and Personal Callings
[51:29] - No Retirement from God's Work
[53:13] - The World's View vs. God's View
[54:50] - Multiple Gifts, One Calling
[56:31] - Collaborative Calling
[58:17] - Integrity in Calling
[59:58] - Reflecting God's Character
[01:01:55] - Legacy Beyond You
[01:03:31] - The Story of Joseph
[01:06:18] - How to Walk into Your Calling
[01:07:25] - Thank God Where You Are
[01:08:22] - Pray and Listen to God
[01:09:10] - Supernatural Grace
[01:10:49] - Finding Your Gifts
[01:11:37] - Helping Others Fulfill Their Calling
[01:12:26] - Staying Open to Opportunities
[01:13:18] - Patience and Persistence
[01:15:15] - Choosing God's Way
[01:16:37] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[01:17:28] - Prayer for Transformation
[01:18:10] - Invitation to Raise Hands
[01:19:32] - Prayer for Everyone
[01:20:20] - Reflecting on God's Word
[01:21:11] - Recalibrating for the Next Season
[01:22:12] - Standing in God's Grace
[01:23:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 11:29: "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."
2. Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
3. Genesis 50:20: "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."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 11:29 say about God's gifts and calling? How does this provide assurance in tough seasons? [46:52]
2. According to Matthew 6:33, what should we seek first, and what is promised to us when we do? [40:50]
3. How did Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20 illustrate the idea that what man meant for bad, God meant for good? [01:06:18]
4. What are some general callings that all Christians share, as mentioned in the sermon? [50:13]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the assurance that God's calling is irrevocable (Romans 11:29) impact our trust in His plan, especially during difficult times? [46:52]
2. In what ways does seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) shift the burden from us to God? How does this change our approach to problem-solving? [40:50]
3. How can the story of Joseph (Genesis 50:20) help us understand the twists and turns in our own lives and God's ultimate plan for good? [01:06:18]
4. What does it mean for our calling to be collaborative with God and others? How does this shape our view of community and teamwork in fulfilling our purpose? [56:31]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unsure about your calling. How does the assurance from Romans 11:29 that God's calling is irrevocable help you in those moments? [46:52]
2. What are some practical ways you can seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life? How might this change your approach to challenges and decisions? [40:50]
3. Think about a situation in your life that seemed negative at first. How can you see God's hand in turning it for good, similar to Joseph's story? [01:06:18]
4. How can you identify and use your unique gifts to complement others in your community rather than compete with them? [45:24]
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions and decisions reflect God's character and build His Kingdom? [59:58]
6. How can you stay open to opportunities that align with your calling, even if they seem beyond your current capabilities? [01:12:26]
7. What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your calling? How can you start building that legacy today? [01:01:55]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Calling is Irrevocable
God's calling in your life is unchangeable and steadfast. Romans 11:29 assures us that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable, meaning He doesn't change His mind about those He has called, even when we face tough seasons. This assurance helps us trust in His plan, knowing that He didn't make a mistake when He called us. No matter the challenges or detours we encounter, God's purpose for us remains firm. This truth can provide immense comfort and confidence, especially during times of doubt or difficulty.
Understanding that God's calling is irrevocable means recognizing that our worth and purpose are not dependent on our circumstances or our performance. Instead, they are rooted in God's unchanging nature and His eternal plan for us. This perspective can transform how we approach our daily lives, encouraging us to live with greater faith and perseverance. [46:52]
Romans 11:29: "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."
Reflection: Think about a time when you doubted your purpose or calling. How does knowing that God's calling is irrevocable change your perspective on that situation?
Day 2: Seek First the Kingdom of God
Matthew 6:33 encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This shifts the burden from us to God, allowing us to focus on His ways rather than our own problem-solving skills. It’s a call to trust in God's provision and timing, reminding us that our primary focus should be on aligning our lives with His will. When we prioritize God's Kingdom, we can rest assured that He will take care of our needs and guide us in fulfilling our purpose.
Seeking God's Kingdom first means making a conscious effort to put His desires above our own. It involves daily choices to prioritize prayer, scripture, and acts of service. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and become more attuned to His guidance. This practice not only brings peace and clarity but also empowers us to live out our calling with greater effectiveness and joy. [40:50]
Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can seek God's Kingdom first in your daily routine this week?
Day 3: Collaborative Calling
Our calling is not something we can achieve alone; it requires collaboration with God and others. This means being open to community and recognizing that our gifts are meant to complement, not compete with, others. Embracing a collaborative calling involves humility and a willingness to work together for a greater purpose. It acknowledges that we are part of a larger body, each with unique roles that contribute to the whole.
By fostering a spirit of collaboration, we can create a supportive environment where everyone's gifts are valued and utilized. This approach not only enhances our effectiveness but also strengthens the bonds within our community. It encourages us to celebrate others' successes and to offer our support and resources generously. In doing so, we reflect the unity and love that God desires for His people. [56:31]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14: "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you actively support and collaborate with someone in your community to help fulfill their calling?
Day 4: Reflecting God's Character
Our calling will reflect God's character—kindness, grace, and mercy. It will build His Kingdom and the local church, not undermine them. This ensures that our actions align with His Word and purpose. Reflecting God's character in our calling means that our lives should be a testament to His love and truth. It involves embodying the values and principles that Jesus taught, such as compassion, humility, and integrity.
When our actions reflect God's character, we become effective witnesses of His grace and truth. This not only strengthens our personal faith but also inspires others to seek a relationship with God. By living out our calling in a way that honors Him, we contribute to the growth and health of the church and the broader community. [59:58]
Colossians 3:12-14: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: In what ways can you better reflect God's character in your interactions with others this week?
Day 5: Legacy Beyond You
Your calling will create a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime. Small actions, when aligned with God's purpose, can have a significant impact. This encourages us to stay faithful and patient, trusting that God’s timing and plan are perfect. Building a legacy means investing in things that have eternal value, such as relationships, acts of service, and sharing the gospel. It involves thinking beyond our immediate circumstances and considering how our lives can influence future generations.
Creating a legacy requires intentionality and a long-term perspective. It means making choices that may not yield immediate results but will bear fruit in the future. By focusing on God's purpose and trusting in His timing, we can leave a lasting impact that honors Him and benefits others. This perspective helps us to remain steadfast and hopeful, even when we don't see immediate outcomes. [01:01:55]
Psalm 78:4: "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: What is one small action you can take today that will contribute to a lasting legacy aligned with God's purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you follow Jesus, the father will honor you. It's good to know, right? But there are other things like love one another. Be baptized. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Walking in power. We see that in Ephesians 5, 18 and Acts 1, 8. Disciple others. Guard your heart. That's an important one. It's an important one because if you don't guard it, who's guarding it? Yeah? And from that place, all of life is designed to flow from you. That's how God's built you." [50:13] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's not in the self-improvement business. He's in the miracle business. He's not in a you-solving-problems business. He's in a him-solving-problems-with-you business based on his word. And for you and for me, as we seek first his kingdom, we want to be doers of the word. We don't want to walk the world's way. We want to walk his way, not worry the world's way, but purpose God's way." [43:43]
3. "God's plan is better in magnitude, in fulfillment, in joy, in peace, in purpose, in love, and in impact. That's God's plan. And in Romans 11, it says this, for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, for he does not withdraw what he has given. I'm going to let that sink in because there's a number of ministers in the house today." [46:52]
4. "When we do things our way, we hurt folk. When we do things God's way, peace comes to others and to us. Man, this world needs peace. Man, my life needs peace. Man, your co-workers' lives need peace. Man, your life needs peace. The students at university, those that you work with, your family, your friends, I promise you, they need peace." [01:16:37]
5. "God wants to heal people, love people, transform people. The small comments you can make with people can have a huge impact with people. Find what's in you by God's grace already. God has given you multiple gifts and talents. And when you find out what they are, you then become aware of how to use them." [01:10:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's got your back so we need to ask and then we need to filter what we feel God is saying to us about our purpose and our calling because God's got an individual one for you and we need to filter that through some things that I think are good wholesome indications or hallmarks of a God purpose." [54:50]
2. "When we think about calling, we need to recognize that calling comes from a caller. If I call you on the phone, you know, it's me on the other end of the phone. I call you, right? There's a caller. There's one person on the end of the phone that says it. And Jesus is our caller. He's called you and to me. And every single person under the sound of my voice has the option to be called by Jesus." [48:43]
3. "We recognize that we're called personally and corporately. Dave constantly shares here about the vision that we have as a church. But that vision is made up of people who have individual visions that make that happen, right? In Matthew 6, it says, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. I love that verse." [40:50] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's plan was different. And today I want us to calibrate our hearts afresh to what God is doing in us, but also what he's calling us to. We recognize that we're called personally and corporately. Dave constantly shares here about the vision that we have as a church. But that vision is made up of people who have individual visions that make that happen, right?" [40:50]
5. "God's purposes and your calling. God's plan is better in magnitude, in fulfillment, in joy, in peace, in purpose, in love, and in impact. That's God's plan. And in Romans 11, it says this, for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, for he does not withdraw what he has given. I'm going to let that sink in because there's a number of ministers in the house today." [46:52]
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