Embracing Our Divine Identity and Vocation
Summary
Today, we gathered around the table of the Lord, seeking fresh bread—fresh insight and nourishment for our souls. The focus was on Jesus as the light of the world, and the audacious truth that, through his death and resurrection, we too are called to be light in the darkness. This is not a calling for the extraordinary, but for ordinary people—each of us, unique and significant, created in the image of God. Our identity is not something we manufacture or borrow from others, but something rooted in God’s creative intent and affirmed by our adoption as children of God.
From the very beginning, God blessed humanity with a vocation: to rule, care for, and cause the world to flourish as his representatives. This calling is not about status or profession, but about living as God’s image-bearers, bringing blessing and harmony wherever we are. The original harmony of creation was broken by sin, but God’s desire remains for us to live in at-oneness—with him, with each other, and with creation. This is not a passive existence, but an active participation in God’s ongoing work.
Work itself is not a curse, but a gift. God is a worker, a creator, and we are made to reflect that. The curse entered when humanity chose autonomy over obedience, resulting in toil, scarcity, and fragmentation. Yet, even in a broken world, blessing is possible through obedience and alignment with God’s purposes. The challenge is to resist the compartmentalization of life—dividing sacred from secular, work from worship—and instead embrace an integrated life where everything is spiritual, and all of life is sacred.
The Western mindset often divides life into sacred and secular, but in God’s view, all of life belongs to him. Our vocation is not limited to religious roles; every calling—whether teacher, parent, mechanic, or artist—is holy when done for God’s glory. We are all priests, God’s representatives, called to declare his praises and bring light into our world. The invitation is to reclaim this priesthood, to live out our unique calling with joy, significance, and blessing, knowing that in whatever we do, we do it for the glory of God.
Key Takeaways
- You are uniquely created in God’s image, and your identity is not something you must strive for or imitate in others. God delights in your uniqueness and calls you to live out who you truly are, not a copy of someone else. Embracing your God-given identity brings freedom and significance, allowing you to shine as light in the world. [37:59]
- Our original vocation is to be God’s representatives, bringing blessing and flourishing to the world. This calling is not about status or profession, but about participating in God’s ongoing work of creation and restoration. To bless is to cause others and creation to flourish, reflecting God’s heart for abundance and harmony. [43:32]
- Work is inherently good and part of God’s design, but it becomes toil when disconnected from God’s purposes. The curse of toil and scarcity entered when humanity chose autonomy over obedience, but blessing is found in aligning our work with God’s will. Even in a broken world, we can experience joy and satisfaction in our labor when it is rooted in God’s calling. [49:32]
- God desires an integrated life, not a fragmented or compartmentalized existence. Everything is spiritual; all of life is sacred. When we recognize that every aspect of our lives—work, rest, play, relationships—is under God’s domain, we find harmony and peace, living as whole people in a fragmented world. [55:37]
- Every follower of Jesus is a priest, called to represent God in whatever vocation or context they find themselves. There is no hierarchy of callings; all are holy when done for God’s glory. Reclaiming your priesthood means living out your unique calling with purpose, bringing light, blessing, and the presence of God into every sphere of life. [01:05:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[36:02] - Fresh Bread and Prayer
[36:45] - Jesus: Light of the World and Our Audacious Calling
[37:59] - Embracing Uniqueness and Identity
[43:32] - Humanity’s Vocation: Blessing and Flourishing
[45:14] - At-Oneness and the Broken Harmony
[46:25] - Living as Priests: Bridge Builders in Creation
[47:50] - The Goodness of Work and God’s Example
[49:32] - Blessing, Curse, and the Consequences of Autonomy
[51:13] - Obedience, Blessing, and the Reality of Toil
[53:53] - Fragmentation vs. Integration in Life
[55:37] - Everything is Spiritual: The Sacredness of All Life
[57:08] - Jewish Practices: Blessings in Everyday Life
[58:28] - The Secular-Sacred Divide and Its Impact
[01:00:05] - The True Meaning of “Christian” and Historical Divides
[01:02:01] - The Priesthood of All Believers
[01:03:19] - Reclaiming Vocation and Identity
[01:05:07] - Living as Priests in Every Vocation
[01:07:21] - Testimony: Finding Joy and Significance in Calling
[01:08:44] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
2. 1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
3. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 1:26-28, what specific tasks or roles does God give to humanity at creation?
2. According to 1 Peter 2:9-10, what are some of the ways Peter describes the identity and purpose of believers?
3. The sermon says, “Jesus, who called himself light of the world, says we are the light of the world. This is our calling. This is our vocation. This is who we are.” What does it mean for ordinary people to be called “the light of the world”? [36:45]
4. The sermon mentions that “work is good. What went wrong?” What does the speaker say changed about work after the fall? [49:32]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “You are unique... God made me me and you you. That is the beauty.” Why is it important to understand that our identity is rooted in being created in God’s image, not in copying others? [37:59]
2. The speaker describes blessing as “to know the abundance and fullness and flourishing of God... to be blessed is to know deep within here that my life is okay.” How does this understanding of blessing differ from common cultural ideas of blessing? [49:32]
3. The sermon challenges the idea of dividing life into “sacred” and “secular.” What are some dangers of compartmentalizing our lives in this way? [55:37]
4. According to 1 Peter 2:9-10 and the sermon, what does it mean for every believer to be a “priest” in their everyday context? [01:05:07]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “God delights in your uniqueness and calls you to live out who you truly are, not a copy of someone else.” Is there an area of your life where you feel pressure to imitate others instead of embracing your God-given identity? What would it look like to step into your uniqueness this week? [37:59]
2. “Our original vocation is to be God’s representatives, bringing blessing and flourishing to the world.” In your current job, family, or community, what is one practical way you can intentionally bring blessing or help others flourish this week? [43:32]
3. The speaker says, “Work is inherently good and part of God’s design, but it becomes toil when disconnected from God’s purposes.” Is there an area of your work or daily tasks that feels like toil or drudgery? How might you reconnect that area to God’s purposes? [49:32]
4. The sermon challenges us to “embrace an integrated life where everything is spiritual, and all of life is sacred.” Are there parts of your life you tend to see as “less spiritual” or “less important to God”? How could you begin to see those areas as sacred? [55:37]
5. “Every follower of Jesus is a priest, called to represent God in whatever vocation or context they find themselves.” What would it look like for you to live as God’s representative in your workplace, home, or neighborhood this week? [01:05:07]
6. The speaker shared a story about someone who found joy and significance in their calling by using their unique skills for God’s kingdom. What is one skill, passion, or experience you have that God might want to use for his glory? [01:07:21]
7. The sermon says, “Refuse the lies. Live well as God’s priest. Know your identity, created in the image of God. Know your vocation, your calling, what it is that you’re meant to do in this world. And do it for the glory of God.” What is one lie about your identity or calling that you need to reject? What truth from this sermon or Scripture can you hold onto instead? [01:08:44]
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Devotional
Day 1: Created in the Image of God—Unique and Significant
Each person is uniquely created in the image of God, designed with purpose and significance. This means that you are not meant to be anyone else; your individuality is a reflection of God’s creativity and intention. God delights in who you are, and your life is not an accident or a copy of another’s. Embracing your God-given identity allows you to live out your calling with confidence, knowing that you are both loved and chosen. You are not just another face in the crowd—you are God’s beloved, made to flourish and to bless others as His representative on earth. [43:32]
Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Reflection: In what ways have you compared yourself to others, and how can you begin to embrace the unique identity God has given you today?
Day 2: Children of God—Identity Plus
To all who receive and believe in Jesus Christ, God gives the right to become His children. This new identity is not just about being created in God’s image, but about being adopted into His family, loved and cherished as His own. As a child of God, you are given the privilege, responsibility, and joy of living in relationship with Him, empowered by His Spirit to walk in newness of life. This double assurance—created in God’s image and adopted as His child—grounds your worth and purpose, no matter your circumstances. [39:30]
John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Reflection: What does it mean to you personally to be called a child of God, and how might this truth shape your actions and attitudes today?
Day 3: All of Life Is Sacred—Everything Is Spiritual
In God’s design, there is no divide between sacred and secular; all of life is spiritual and matters to Him. Whether in work, rest, play, or the mundane routines of daily living, every moment is an opportunity to honor God and experience His presence. The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord, and recognizing this truth brings meaning and purpose to even the smallest tasks. Living with this integrated perspective allows you to see God’s hand in every aspect of your life and to offer it all back to Him in gratitude and worship. [58:28]
Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.
Reflection: How can you intentionally recognize God’s presence in the ordinary moments of your day, treating all of life as sacred?
Day 4: The Priesthood of All Believers—Your Holy Calling
Every follower of Jesus is called to be a priest—a representative of God—wherever they are and in whatever they do. This calling is not reserved for pastors or missionaries, but is the privilege and responsibility of all believers. As God’s chosen people, you are set apart to declare His praises, to bring light into darkness, and to serve others in His name. Your vocation, whether in the home, workplace, or community, is holy when done for the glory of God. Reclaiming your priesthood means living with purpose, knowing that your daily life is a ministry and a witness to God’s love. [01:05:07]
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reflection: Where has God placed you to be His representative, and how can you intentionally serve as a priest in your current context today?
Day 5: Do All for the Glory of God—Integrated Living
God calls you to live an integrated life, where every action—no matter how small—is done for His glory. Whether you are eating, drinking, working, or resting, each moment is an opportunity to honor God and bless others. Rejecting the fragmentation of life into sacred and secular, you are invited to see your entire existence as worship. When you do what you are meant to do, with the gifts and passions God has given you, you become fruitful and a blessing to those around you. Living this way brings deep satisfaction, significance, and joy, as you fulfill your calling as the light of the world. [01:08:44]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Reflection: What is one ordinary task you will do today, and how can you intentionally offer it to God as an act of worship?
Quotes
Find out who it is that you are and what God wants you to be. Refuse the lies. Live well as God's priest. Know your identity, created in the image of God. Know your vocation, your calling, what it is that you're meant to do in this world. And do it for the glory of God. Then you will be fruitful. You will be a blessing. And you can do the work of evangelism, discipleship and mission right where you are as the light of the world in your world. [01:08:26] (43 seconds)
To be blessed is to know deep within here that my life is okay. I taste of eternal life. I have a goal. I have a vision. I know that I'm going to spend eternity with God. And I can glorify God. And I can rejoice. And I give praise. And I can have that abundant life of joy. [00:50:25] (23 seconds)
So whatever, teacher, lawyer, mothering, parent, leading, following, cleaner, student, a creative, an IT specialist, a nurse, a child, carer, a friend, a mechanic, a plumber, a painter, a builder, whatever you do, that is a holy vocation. [01:06:36] (15 seconds)
Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord. Giving thanks to the Father. Whatever you do, do in the name of the Lord. You are a priest. [01:06:08] (15 seconds)
He wants us to have an integrated life. Where all the time I know that I am his and he is mine. And I can work and live, rest and sleep, play and holiday from a position of rest and a non-anxious presence. [00:54:40] (21 seconds)
Jesus, who called himself light of the world, says we are the light of the world. This is our calling. This is our vocation. This is who we are. [00:37:30] (16 seconds)
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