Embracing Our God-Given Value and Purpose

In a world marked by chaos, violence, and confusion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and question our value and purpose. Yet, the truth is that every person matters deeply to God. No matter what burdens, doubts, or failures we carry, God meets us right where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there. He invites us into a journey of growth, transformation, and purpose—a journey that begins with recognizing our inherent value as His creation.

From the very beginning, God created humanity in His own image, setting us apart from all other creation. This means that at our core, we are designed to reflect God’s character and love. The enemy’s oldest strategy has always been to devalue and divide, convincing us that our worth must be earned or that others are less valuable. But God’s Word reminds us that our value is not based on what we do, but on who we are in Him. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, intentionally crafted with unique gifts, personalities, and callings.

Our purpose is not just to exist or survive, but to thrive and make a difference. God has prepared good works for each of us, calling us to be loved by Him and to help others experience that same love. This purpose is not passive; it calls us to action. Faith is not meant to be hidden or inactive—when we truly grasp the value and love God has for us, it naturally overflows into how we live, love, and serve others.

Importantly, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. God promises never to leave or forsake us, and He places us in community so we can encourage, challenge, and support one another. Even when life is hard and the world feels dark, we stand in the power of prayer, God’s presence, and the hope of Jesus. We control what we can—our relationship with God, our responses, and our willingness to follow Him. As we do, we become part of the solution, bringing light, hope, and unity to a divided world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Your Value Is God-Given, Not Earned The enemy’s greatest tactic is to make us question our worth, but Scripture is clear: we are created in God’s image, and our value is intrinsic, not based on our achievements or failures. When we rest in this truth, we are freed from striving and can live from a place of security and confidence in God’s love. This foundational understanding is the first step toward true spiritual growth. [44:01]
• 2. You Were Created Intentionally and Uniquely Every detail of your being—your personality, quirks, and even your physical makeup—was crafted by God with purpose and care. Before you took your first breath, God had a plan for your life, and nothing about you is accidental. Embracing your intentional design allows you to walk boldly in the unique calling God has placed on your life. [53:38]
• 3. Purpose Is Found in Being Loved and Loving Others Our gifts and talents are important, but our ultimate purpose is to be loved by God and to help others experience that love. This means our lives are meant to point people to Jesus, not just through words but through the way we live and serve. When we understand this, we find fulfillment and meaning that transcends circumstances. [56:30]
• 4. Faith Is Active, Not Passive True faith is not just belief—it is lived out in action. Just as Abraham’s faith was demonstrated by his obedience, our faith should be visible in how we love, serve, and pursue God’s purposes. We don’t earn salvation by works, but genuine faith always produces a changed life that impacts the world around us. [59:00]
• 5. You Are Not Alone—God and Community Walk With You God promises to never leave or forsake us, and He also places us in community for support and accountability. We are called to walk together, encouraging and challenging one another as we pursue growth. Even when we fail or struggle, we do so together, trusting that God’s presence and the love of others will carry us through. [66:54]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [19:30] - Entering Worship and Ministry Moment
• [21:39] - Responding to Tragedy: Prayer, Presence, and Pointing to Jesus
• [24:00] - Confidence in God’s Presence During Difficult Times
• [33:33] - Friend Day and Series Introduction
• [36:00] - The Enemy’s Strategy: Devalue and Divide
• [44:01] - You Matter: Created in God’s Image
• [46:30] - The Enemy’s Attack on Value and Purpose
• [53:38] - You Were Created Intentionally
• [56:30] - You Were Created for a Purpose
• [59:00] - Faith in Action: Not Created for Inaction
• [63:00] - You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
• [66:54] - Failing Forward Together in Community
• [68:02] - Controlling What You Can: Your Response
• [69:02] - Invitation to New Life and Prayer
• [70:27] - Closing Prayer and Next Steps

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:26-27 (NASB) — > Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
> God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Psalm 139:13-16 (NASB) — > For You formed my inward parts;
> You wove me in my mother’s womb.
> I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
> Wonderful are Your works,
> And my soul knows it very well.
> My frame was not hidden from You,
> When I was made in secret,
> And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
> Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
> And in Your book were all written
> The days that were ordained for me,
> When as yet there was not one of them.

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) — > For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what is unique about the way God created humans compared to the rest of creation?
2. In Psalm 139:13-16, what details does the psalmist give about how God formed each person?
3. The sermon mentions that the enemy’s oldest strategy is to devalue and divide people. What are some specific ways the enemy tries to do this, according to the message? [[44:01]]
4. Ephesians 2:10 says we are created for “good works.” What does the passage say about when these good works were prepared for us?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says our value is God-given, not earned. Why is it important to understand that our worth comes from being made in God’s image, not from our achievements or failures? [[44:01]]
2. The pastor described how the enemy convinced Adam and Eve to strive for what God had already freely given them. How does this relate to the way people today try to earn value or purpose? [[44:01]]
3. According to Psalm 139, God intentionally designed every detail of our lives. How might believing this truth affect the way someone views their own personality, quirks, or even their struggles? [[53:38]]
4. The sermon says that faith is not meant to be passive. What does it look like for faith to be “active” in everyday life? [[59:00]]

Application Questions

1. The message said, “You matter. You have value.” When is a time in your life when you doubted your value? What helped you remember (or what could help you remember) that your worth is given by God, not earned? [[44:01]]
2. The enemy tries to devalue and divide people. Are there ways you have seen this happen in your own relationships, workplace, or even in church? What is one step you can take this week to bring unity or to affirm someone’s value? [[44:01]]
3. The pastor shared that God created each of us intentionally, with unique personalities and quirks. Is there something about yourself you have struggled to accept? How might seeing it as part of God’s intentional design change your perspective? [[53:38]]
4. Ephesians 2:10 says we are created for good works. What is one “good work” you feel God might be calling you to do in this season? How can you take a step toward it this week? [[56:30]]
5. The sermon emphasized that faith is active, not passive. What is one area where you have been “inactive” in your faith? What would it look like to take action in that area this week? [[59:00]]
6. The message reminded us that we are not meant to walk alone—God and community are with us. Is there a specific way you need to reach out for support, encouragement, or accountability right now? Who could you invite to walk with you? [[01:06:54]]
7. The pastor said, “We control what we can—our relationship with God, our responses, and our willingness to follow Him.” Is there a response or attitude you need to surrender to God this week? What would it look like to trust Him with it? [[01:08:02]]