Embracing Our Purpose: Unity and Calling in Christ

Summary

In our journey with Christ, we often celebrate the moment of salvation, the assurance of heaven, but there is a profound truth that we must grasp: our existence on Earth is purposeful beyond mere salvation. Ephesians 2 reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. This is the essence of our calling as believers, to walk out this life together, fulfilling the purposes God has laid out for us.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles, illustrating the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. Through His blood, those who were once far away have been brought near, and the dividing wall of hostility has been destroyed. This reconciliation is not only between God and man but also among men, creating one new humanity. This unity is a testament to the peace Christ has established, allowing us all to access the Father by one Spirit.

As a pastor, I have experienced the call of God firsthand. Despite initial resistance due to worldly concerns, I discovered that true joy and fulfillment come from embracing God's calling. This personal journey underscores the importance of seeking Christ and spending time with Him to uncover the unique role He has for each of us within His body, the Church.

The Church is not a building but a community of believers, each with different gifts and talents, united under Christ's headship. We are called to work together, supporting one another, and when one member suffers, we all suffer; when one is honored, we all rejoice. This principle of unity and mutual care is vital for the Church's health and effectiveness.

The story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 shows us the power of unity, even when it is misdirected. If we, as the Church, unite under Christ, embracing the diversity of our gifts and callings, nothing will be impossible for us. We must strive to build each other up, share our testimonies, and work together to fulfill the great commission.

Forgiveness is also crucial in maintaining unity. We must forgive one another, including our leaders, to prevent division and bitterness from hindering our collective mission. Understanding our individual roles within the Church is essential, and if there isn't an existing avenue for your gifts, I encourage you to create one, bringing your ideas to the leadership.

In conclusion, we are each a vital part of the body of Christ, and our unity and cooperation are essential to accomplishing God's work. Let us embrace our calling, support one another, and move forward together for the glory of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Our salvation is the beginning, not the end, of our purpose on Earth. We are created for good works, which are the manifestations of God's craftsmanship in our lives. These works are not an afterthought but a divine preparation for us to walk in unity and purpose. [04:06]

- Christ's sacrifice was not only for individual reconciliation with God but also for the unity of humanity. The peace He established calls us to live in harmony, breaking down the walls that divide us, whether they be racial, cultural, or denominational. This unity is a powerful witness to the world of Christ's love and power. [05:14]

- Each believer has a unique role within the Church, akin to the various parts of a body. Our diversity in gifts is by divine design, and when we embrace our specific calling, the Church functions healthily and effectively. It is through this collective effort that we can achieve the impossible. [15:32]

- Unity in the Church begins with forgiveness and letting go of past hurts, including those inflicted by church leaders. Holding onto bitterness only breeds division, but forgiveness fosters a spirit of unity that allows the Church to move forward in its mission. [25:56]

- It is essential to seek God's guidance to understand where we fit within the body of Christ. Whether you are called to pastoral ministry, serving coffee, or leading a small group, every role is significant and contributes to the Church's overall mission. If your calling is not yet clear, pursue God, and He will reveal it to you. [28:27]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10-22
- "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called 'uncircumcised' by those who call themselves 'the circumcision' (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
- "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don’t need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don’t need you!' On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

3. Genesis 11:1-9
- "Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, 'Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.' But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.' So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 2:10 say about our purpose as believers? How does this relate to the concept of being God's handiwork? [04:06]
2. According to Ephesians 2:14-16, what did Christ achieve through His sacrifice? How did it affect the relationship between Jews and Gentiles? [05:14]
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, how does Paul describe the Church? What analogy does he use to explain the diversity and unity within the body of Christ?
4. What was the outcome of the unity displayed by the people in the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9? How did God respond to their actions? [10:59]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) change our perspective on daily life and interactions with others? [04:06]
2. What are some practical ways the Church can demonstrate the unity that Christ established by breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14-16)? [05:14]
3. In what ways can the analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 help us appreciate the different roles and gifts within the Church? How does this understanding impact our view of our own contributions?
4. Reflecting on the story of the Tower of Babel, what lessons can we learn about the power of unity and the importance of aligning our goals with God's purposes? [10:59]

#### Application Questions
1. How can you personally contribute to the unity of your local church? Are there specific actions you can take to build up and support others in your congregation? [08:28]
2. Have you ever experienced division within a church setting? How did it affect you, and what steps can you take to promote reconciliation and unity in similar situations? [07:58]
3. What unique gifts or talents do you believe God has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve your church community and fulfill your role in the body of Christ? [16:05]
4. Is there someone in your church or community that you need to forgive to restore unity? What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness and reconciliation? [25:56]
5. How can you actively seek God's guidance to understand your specific calling within the church? What practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to help you discern His will? [28:27]
6. Think of a time when you felt honored or supported by your church community. How did it impact your faith journey? How can you extend that same support to others? [20:43]
7. Reflect on the importance of sharing testimonies within the church. How can you create opportunities to share your story and listen to others' stories to build a stronger sense of community? [09:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Purpose Beyond Salvation
Our journey with Christ does not end with salvation; it is the beginning of a life filled with purpose. As believers, we are God's masterpiece, intricately designed for a life of good works. These works are not random acts but are divinely orchestrated paths that we are meant to walk in. Each step taken in faith is a reflection of God's craftsmanship, a testament to the purposeful life He has prepared for us. As we engage in these good works, we become active participants in God's plan, serving as His hands and feet on Earth. This is our true calling—to live out a faith that works through love, impacting the world around us. [07:40]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Reflection: What good work has God placed on your heart recently, and how can you take the first step towards accomplishing it today?

Day 2: Unity in Diversity
The sacrifice of Christ has a dual purpose: to reconcile us to God and to each other, creating a unified body out of diverse members. This unity transcends all barriers, whether they be racial, cultural, or denominational. As members of one body, we are called to live in harmony, celebrating our differences and using them to strengthen the Church. The peace established by Christ is a powerful witness to the world, showcasing a love that can overcome any division. Embracing this unity allows us to reflect the fullness of Christ's love to those around us. [05:14]

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." - Ephesians 2:14 ESV

Reflection: How can you contribute to breaking down a 'wall of hostility' and foster unity within your community today?

Day 3: Embracing Our Calling
Each believer is uniquely crafted with gifts and talents that are essential to the body of Christ. Just as the human body relies on the function of each part, the Church thrives when each member operates in their God-given role. Our diversity is by divine design, and when embraced, it leads to a healthy and effective Church. Recognizing and stepping into our specific calling allows us to be part of something greater than ourselves, working together to achieve what once seemed impossible. [15:32]

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV

Reflection: What unique gift do you bring to your church community, and how can you use it to serve others this week?

Day 4: The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the cornerstone of unity within the Church. It is essential to let go of past hurts, including those inflicted by church leaders, to prevent division and bitterness. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool that fosters a spirit of unity, allowing the Church to move forward in its mission. As we practice forgiveness, we mirror the grace and mercy that Christ has shown us, creating an environment where love can flourish and the Church can grow. [25:56]

"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." - Colossians 3:13 ESV

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community whom you need to forgive, and what steps can you take towards reconciliation this week?

Day 5: Seeking God's Guidance
Understanding our role within the body of Christ is crucial, and it begins with seeking God's guidance. Whether our calling is upfront ministry or behind-the-scenes service, every role is significant. If the path is not yet clear, we must pursue God with diligence, trusting that He will reveal our part in His grand design. As we seek Him, we open ourselves to the possibilities He has in store, ready to step into the roles He has crafted for us. [28:27]

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take to seek God's guidance more intentionally, and how can you be more open to the roles He may be leading you to within your church?

Quotes

1) "We all come together with whatever we have, whatever talents we have, whatever gifts you may have... abilities... we all have different parts to play... we each have a role to play in the church." [17:34] (Download)

2) "When all parts of your body are working together, it's when you can actually accomplish things... it takes the body working together to accomplish things." [18:32] (Download)

3) "When one part suffers, the entire body suffers... when one person's suffering, it has an effect on everyone... it takes all of us together." [19:37] (Download)

4) "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it... it's so easy to become jealous... instead of rejoicing with them." [20:43] (Download)

5) "We have such an opportunity in your local churches to make a difference in people's lives, to be the hands and feet of Christ... it's crazy what we have as an opportunity." [24:20] (Download)

6) "We've got to learn to forgive one another... we've got to learn to forgive leadership... if we carry that with us everywhere it'll be so easy to get offended by every other church we go to." [25:56] (Download)

7) "Do you know where you fit into the church body?... if there's not something that you feel is tugging on your heart, man find a way to start pouring in a different avenue." [26:55] (Download)

8) "If you don't know what your calling is, if you don't know where you fit into the church man I just tell you right now pursue him, seek Christ, spend time with him and he will reveal it to you." [28:27] (Download)

9) "I gave up a lot and I'd do it all over again and I'd give up even more... I'm happier than I've ever been... true joy and fulfillment come from embracing God's calling." [28:55] (Download)

10) "Nothing they planned to do will be impossible for them... what if we unite as that church... nothing would be impossible... we have such an incredible opportunity at our hands." [10:59] (Download)

Chatbot

Transcript

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