Embracing Our Purpose: Centering Life on Elohim

Summary

From the very beginning, everything in creation points to intentional design and purpose. Just as a simple stool is crafted with care and intention, so too are we—each of us uniquely formed by God, not by accident or chance. The name Elohim, first revealed in Genesis 1:1, declares God as the all-powerful Creator, the sovereign ruler, and the majestic Lord over all. Elohim is not a distant or abstract force, but the One who spoke the universe into existence, who sustains it, and who remains intimately involved with His creation. This truth stands in stark contrast to the prevailing beliefs of our culture, which often deny a Creator and instead attribute existence to random chance or impersonal processes.

Recognizing God as Elohim calls us to reorder our lives. He is not meant to be a mere part of our lives, but the very center. Our schedules, priorities, and desires should reflect His supremacy. Yet, it is easy to let the busyness of life, the pursuit of comfort, or the accumulation of possessions crowd out our devotion. The challenge is to seek Him first, to make time for worship, prayer, and community, and to ensure that our actions align with our professed beliefs.

Elohim’s sovereignty is a source of deep comfort. In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. He is not surprised by anything, and nothing is outside His authority. Our attempts to control our own destinies are ultimately illusions; true peace comes from surrendering to His will and trusting in His perfect plan.

Everything we have—our time, talents, and treasures—already belongs to Him. We are called to relinquish our grip on these things, recognizing that we are stewards, not owners. Our very lives were bought with a price through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Out of all creation, we are God’s most cherished possession, made in His image and redeemed for relationship with Him.

Living in light of Elohim means embracing our purpose: to reflect His glory, to humble ourselves, and to point others to Him. Just as the stool is only useful when fulfilling its purpose, we find true fulfillment when we live for God’s glory, not our own. If we are still here, it is because God has a plan for us—to know Him, to make Him known, and to live on mission for His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

- God’s intentional design in creation reveals that nothing about our existence is accidental. Just as every crafted object points to a maker, our lives bear the mark of a Creator who formed us with purpose and care. This truth should shape our identity and give us confidence that we are deeply known and valued by God. [01:47]

- The name Elohim proclaims God’s supreme power and authority, reminding us that He alone is the source and sustainer of all things. When we acknowledge Him as the center of our lives, our priorities shift from chasing after created things to seeking the Creator Himself. This reordering is not just a matter of belief, but of daily practice and intentional devotion. [08:50]

- Resting in God’s sovereignty means letting go of the illusion of control. In a world marked by anxiety and uncertainty, we are invited to trust that Elohim is never uncertain, never surprised, and always in control. True peace is found not in our ability to manage outcomes, but in surrendering to the One who holds all things together. [20:40]

- Everything we possess—our time, resources, and even our very lives—belongs to God. Recognizing this calls us to a posture of stewardship and surrender, offering back to Him what is already His. Our willingness to relinquish our “stuff” is a reflection of our trust in His provision and our understanding of our redeemed identity. [22:03]

- Our ultimate purpose is to reflect God’s glory and point others to Him. Like the stool, we are most useful when we fulfill the purpose for which we were created: to humble ourselves, lift Him high, and live on mission. If we are still breathing, it is because God has a plan for us—to know Him, to make Him known, and to live out the gospel in every sphere of life. [29:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Purposeful Design of Creation
[01:47] - You Are Not an Accident
[02:30] - The Meaning of Elohim
[04:25] - God as the All-Powerful Creator
[05:45] - The World’s Rejection of Elohim
[06:46] - Living as a Testimony to the Creator
[08:50] - Is God Truly First in Your Life?
[11:00] - The Challenge of Prioritizing God
[13:15] - Actions vs. Intentions in Our Devotion
[15:09] - Seek First the Kingdom
[17:18] - Resting in God’s Sovereignty
[20:40] - Letting Go of the Illusion of Control
[22:03] - Relinquishing Our Stuff to God
[23:09] - We Are God’s Prized Possession
[26:30] - The Gospel and Our Identity
[28:02] - Dropping Earthly Desires for Him
[28:57] - Living Within Our Purpose
[29:44] - Living on Mission for God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living in Light of Elohim

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### Bible Reading

Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
> In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 139:13 (ESV)
> For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
> But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 1:1, who is responsible for the creation of everything, and how does the sermon describe the meaning of the name “Elohim”?
[[02:30]]

2. In Psalm 139:13, what does the psalmist say about how God made us? How does this connect to the idea that we are not accidents?
[[01:47]]

3. In Matthew 6:33, what does Jesus say should come first in our lives? How does the sermon challenge us to reorder our priorities around this?
[[15:09]]

4. The sermon uses the example of a handmade stool. What point was the speaker making with this illustration?
[[00:30]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that recognizing God as Elohim means He should be at the center of our lives, not just a part. What does it look like for someone to have God at the center, rather than just included in their schedule?
[[08:50]]

2. The speaker mentions that our culture often denies a Creator and attributes existence to chance. How might this belief affect a person’s sense of identity and purpose compared to someone who believes in God’s intentional design?
[[05:45]]

3. The sermon talks about the “illusion of control” and encourages us to rest in God’s sovereignty. Why is it so hard for people to let go of control, and what does true surrender look like?
[[20:40]]

4. The message says that everything we have—our time, talents, and treasures—already belongs to God. How does this change the way we view our possessions and responsibilities?
[[22:03]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to make God the center of our lives, not just a part. Looking at your current schedule and priorities, what is one specific change you could make this week to put God first?
[[11:00]]

2. The speaker shared about buying books but not making time to read them, comparing it to how we say we love God but don’t always make time for Him. What is one area where your actions don’t match your intentions in your relationship with God? What step could you take to close that gap?
[[13:15]]

3. The message says that true peace comes from surrendering control to God. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to let go and trust God’s plan? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week?
[[20:40]]

4. The sermon reminds us that everything we have belongs to God. Is there something—time, money, a talent, or even a relationship—that you are holding onto tightly? What would it look like to offer that back to God?
[[22:03]]

5. The speaker said that we are God’s most cherished possession, made in His image and redeemed for relationship. How does this truth affect the way you see yourself? Are there lies you need to reject about your worth or purpose?
[[23:09]]

6. The stool illustration showed that something is only useful when it fulfills its purpose. In what ways are you living out your God-given purpose to reflect His glory and point others to Him? Where do you feel you are falling short, and what is one step you can take to grow?
[[28:57]]

7. The sermon ends by saying that if we are still here, God has a plan for us—to know Him, make Him known, and live on mission. Who is one person in your life you can intentionally point to Jesus this week, and how will you do it?
[[29:44]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group see His intentional design in their lives, to trust His sovereignty, and to live out their purpose for His glory.

Devotional

Day 1: God is the All-Powerful Creator

From the very beginning, God reveals Himself as Elohim—the all-powerful Creator who spoke the universe into existence with intention and purpose. Nothing about your life or this world is accidental; every detail is the result of His sovereign design. Just as a crafted stool points to its maker, all of creation points to the One who formed it. You are not here by chance, but by the will of a God who is infinitely strong, completely in control, and who made you for a reason. Let this truth anchor your identity and your days. [01:47]

Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have doubted God’s intentional design or purpose for you? How can you surrender that doubt to Him today and trust that you are here by His will?


Day 2: Creation Testifies to God’s Glory

The world around us is not silent about its Maker. Every sunrise, every star, every living creature proclaims the glory and handiwork of Elohim. Even when the world denies a Creator, the heavens and earth continue to declare His majesty. As you go about your day, pause to notice the beauty and order in creation, and let it remind you that God is real, powerful, and worthy of your worship. The evidence of His existence and power is all around you, leaving no excuse to ignore Him. [07:48]

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Reflection: As you observe the world today, what is one specific aspect of creation that points you to God’s glory? How can you let that reminder draw you into deeper worship?


Day 3: Seek God First Above All Else

Life is full of demands and distractions, but Elohim calls you to put Him first—not second or third. It’s easy to say you love God, but your priorities and schedule reveal what you truly seek. Are you making time for Him, or is He an afterthought? God desires to be the very center of your life, not just a part of it. When you seek Him first, He promises to provide what you truly need—not always what you want, but what your soul needs most: Himself. [15:09]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make in your daily routine this week to intentionally seek God first—whether it’s time in prayer, Scripture, or serving others?


Day 4: Rest in God’s Sovereign Control

In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, Elohim remains sovereign and unshaken. He is the One who changes times and seasons, who sets up and removes rulers, and who holds every circumstance in His hands. You are not in control—and that’s good news, because He is. Let go of the illusion of control and trust that God’s plan is perfect, even when you can’t see it. Cast your anxieties on Him, knowing He cares for you and is always in control. [19:18]

Daniel 2:21 (ESV)
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

Reflection: What is one worry or area of control you need to release to God today? How can you practice trusting His sovereignty in that specific situation?


Day 5: You Are God’s Prized Creation, Made for a Purpose

Out of all creation, you are God’s workmanship—intentionally designed, deeply loved, and redeemed at great cost. You were created in His image for a relationship with Him and for good works He prepared for you. God is not distant; He is personal and purposeful in your life. Don’t let the pursuit of earthly things become your god. Instead, live humbly, using your gifts and your days to lift Him high and point others to His love. Remember, you are here for a reason—live in that purpose. [23:09]

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one way you can use your unique gifts or opportunities this week to serve God and others, living out the purpose for which He created you?

Quotes

So when we say Elohim, we're declaring that the one who made everything is infinitely strong, infinitely in control, or completely in control, utterly beyond us. And despite being utterly beyond us, he chooses to restore our relationship with us. In our sin, he hasn't left us there. He chose to redeem us. [00:04:13] (22 seconds)  #RedeemedByTheCreator Edit Clip

But when those things become bad is when those things become your God, is when you're chasing after the stuff, when you're chasing after the creation instead of chasing after the creator. What is our heart's desire? What are we truly seeking after? [00:14:54] (20 seconds)  #ChaseTheCreatorNotCreation Edit Clip

The name Elohim also reminds us that we can rest in his sovereign power. He's a creator of all. He sustains all of creation. This name Elohim reminds us that he is sovereign, he is sustainer, and he is supreme. [00:17:18] (18 seconds)  #SovereignSustainer Edit Clip

We, in our lives, we have to let go of the illusion of control. We have to let go of this idea that we can determine where we're going, that it's up to us. Because it's not. God is sovereign over all. This idea of control, what that is, is it's really just an illusion. We're not in control. That's okay. Because he is. [00:20:45] (29 seconds)  #LetGoAndTrustGod Edit Clip

The name Elohim reminds us to trust him as our glorious creator, as the one who holds time and every circumstance in his hands. What are we going to do with that? We can rest and rely on him because he's in control and what that means is we have to relinquish control. [00:21:51] (22 seconds)  #RestInHisControl Edit Clip

We were designed by him for good works to pursue a relationship with him. And God is not some distant or abstract force who spun the world into being and walked away. No, the same God that spoke the world into being, the same God that said, let it be, and it was done, is the same God who's in control over all of creation today. [00:23:39] (20 seconds)  #DesignedForGoodWorks Edit Clip

``So when we say Elohim, we acknowledge that he is creator of all things. He's infinitely strong. He's completely in control. He's utterly beyond us. Yet in his grace, he chose to create us, to relate to us, and to redeem us. That's what Elohim reminds us of. We were created with a purpose. Are we going to live within that purpose? [00:28:37] (23 seconds)  #PurposeDrivenByElohim Edit Clip