Embracing Our Unique Calling as Men of Faith

Summary

Today’s focus is on the unique calling God has placed on each of us, especially as men, to be “fig trees in the vineyard”—distinct, fruitful, and set apart for a purpose in our community. Just as Jesus’ parable in Luke 13 describes a fig tree planted in a vineyard, we are called to be something different in our city, offering a unique flavor and witness that stands out from the world around us. This is not just about being different for difference’s sake, but about being a source of life, hope, and transformation for those around us. Our local outreach is one way we live this out, fully funded by the generosity of our church family, as we seek to bless and serve Sand Springs—our “Jerusalem”—with the love of Christ.

Turning to 1 Corinthians 16, Paul’s charge to “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” is a timely word for today. In a culture that often confuses or diminishes the role of men, we are reminded that biblical manhood is not about dominance or bravado, but about courage, vision, and sacrificial leadership. Men are called to get a vision for their lives—one that looks beyond the moment and seeks God’s “more” for their families, churches, and communities. This vision is not self-generated, but comes from asking and believing God for more than we can imagine.

Standing firm in the faith means digging deeper, becoming spiritual leaders in our homes, and loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. It’s about leading in worship, prayer, and devotion, not waiting for someone else to take the initiative. We are also called to find our brothers—to reject isolation and build strong, accountable relationships with other men who will challenge, support, and walk with us through every season. Finally, being strong means getting involved—actively participating in our families, churches, and communities, knowing that small, faithful actions can lead to great impact when God is in them.

The call is clear: do the small things with great faithfulness, and trust God to do the big things. Whether it’s sowing into local outreach, leading your family, or simply showing up, every act of faithfulness matters. And for those who have yet to begin this journey with Christ, today is the day of salvation—a fresh start and a new vision for your life.

Key Takeaways

- Be a Fig Tree in the Vineyard
God calls us to be distinct in our communities, offering something unique that refreshes and challenges the world around us. Like a fig tree in a vineyard, we are not meant to blend in, but to stand out as a source of life and hope. This distinctiveness is not about pride, but about fulfilling God’s purpose for us in our city and beyond. [08:13]

- Get a Vision for Your Life
Men are called to look beyond the present and seek God’s greater purpose for their lives, families, and communities. Vision is not just about ambition, but about aligning our desires with God’s “more”—believing that He can do abundantly more than we ask or imagine. When we pray bold prayers and pursue God’s vision, we inspire those around us to join in the pursuit of something greater. [47:54]

- Dig Deeper in Your Faith
Spiritual leadership begins with a deep, personal relationship with God that overflows into every area of life. Men are called to lead in prayer, worship, and devotion, setting the spiritual tone for their homes and churches. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind means learning from the past, imagining God’s future, and refusing to settle for spiritual passivity. [52:02]

- Find Your Brothers
God never intended for us to walk alone; we need a band of brothers who will challenge, support, and carry us when we are weak. True friendship is marked by accountability and love that calls us to be who God created us to be, even when it’s uncomfortable. Isolation weakens us, but community strengthens and protects us for the journey ahead. [55:35]

- Do Small Things with Great Faithfulness
Impact is not always found in grand gestures, but in consistent, faithful action—showing up, serving, and investing in the lives of those around us. When we do the small things as if they are big things, God takes our faithfulness and multiplies it for His glory. Every act of involvement, no matter how small, is a step toward building something lasting and significant in God’s kingdom. [01:03:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Local Outreach and Legacy Lanes
[03:30] - The Parable of the Fig Tree
[07:10] - Being Distinct in Our Community
[10:20] - Generosity and Local Missions
[13:45] - Acts 1:8 and Our Jerusalem
[16:30] - Practical Ways We Serve
[28:13] - Honoring Fathers
[38:20] - Dad Jokes and Father’s Day Joy
[39:32] - 1 Corinthians 16: Paul’s Final Instructions
[41:39] - Biblical Manhood vs. Cultural Confusion
[44:01] - Four Challenges for Men
[47:54] - Get a Vision for Your Life
[52:02] - Dig Deeper in Your Faith
[55:35] - Find Your Brothers
[58:23] - Get Involved and Be Strong
[01:03:03] - Faithfulness in Small Things
[01:04:53] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:08:04] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Be a Fig Tree in the Vineyard”

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 13:6-9 (The Parable of the Fig Tree)
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 (“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”)
- Ephesians 3:20 (“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 13, what is unusual about a fig tree being planted in a vineyard? What does the owner expect from the fig tree?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 16:13, what four instructions does Paul give to the men in the church?
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the purpose of being a “fig tree in the vineyard” in our community? [[07:10]]
4. How does Ephesians 3:20 challenge our thinking about what God can do in and through us? [[47:54]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to use a fig tree in a vineyard as an illustration? What might this say about God’s desire for His people to be “different” in their communities? [[07:10]]
2. When Paul tells the men to “act like men” in 1 Corinthians 16:13, what does the pastor say this means in contrast to cultural ideas of manhood? [[41:39]]
3. The sermon talks about “getting a vision for your life.” How is this vision different from just having personal ambition or goals? [[47:54]]
4. Why is it important, according to the sermon, for men to “find their brothers” and not walk alone in their faith? [[55:35]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said we are called to be “fig trees in the vineyard”—to stand out and offer something unique in our city. What is one way you can be a source of life and hope in your workplace, neighborhood, or family this week? [[07:10]]
2. Paul’s command to “be watchful” and “stand firm in the faith” means not letting others change what we believe. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressure to compromise your faith? How can you stand firm in those situations? [[41:39]]
3. The sermon challenged men to “get a vision” for their lives and families. What is one area where you need to ask God for a bigger vision? What bold prayer could you start praying this week? [[47:54]]
4. The pastor described spiritual leadership as leading in prayer, worship, and devotion at home. What is one small step you could take to lead spiritually in your family or among your friends? [[50:24]]
5. The message emphasized the need for strong, accountable friendships. Who are your “four friends” who can pick you up when you’re down? If you don’t have them, what is one step you can take to build those relationships? [[55:35]]
6. “Do small things with great faithfulness.” What is one small, consistent action you can take this week to serve your family, church, or community? How can you remind yourself that these small things matter to God? [[01:03:03]]
7. For those who feel like they haven’t started this journey with Christ, the pastor said “today is the day of salvation.” If you haven’t made that decision, what’s holding you back? If you have, how can you encourage someone else to take that step? [[01:04:53]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person live out these truths with courage, vision, and faithfulness.

Devotional

Day 1: Be Watchful and Stand Firm in the Faith
Paul calls believers to vigilance and steadfastness, urging them to guard the vision God has given and to remain unwavering in their beliefs even when others try to sway or distract them. This is a call to spiritual alertness, to recognize threats to the unity and purpose of the church, and to hold fast to the truth of the gospel. In a world where values and convictions are constantly challenged, standing firm in faith means not compromising on what God has revealed, but instead being courageous and resolute, especially as leaders in our homes, churches, and communities. [41:39]

1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense a need to be more spiritually alert or to stand firm in your faith, and what practical step can you take today to guard that area?


Day 2: Get a Vision for Your Life
God desires for each person to have a clear vision for their life, one that looks beyond the present moment and seeks His greater purpose. Rather than living passively or just for the day, you are called to ask God for a vision that inspires you and those around you, to pray bold prayers, and to pursue a future that aligns with His calling. This means not settling for mediocrity or just getting by, but believing that God can do abundantly more than you can ask or imagine, and stepping forward in faith to lead in your family, church, and community. [47:54]

Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been thinking too small or settling for less—how can you ask God today to give you a bigger vision for that area?


Day 3: Dig Deeper in Your Faith
Men and women alike are called to go beyond surface-level faith, to become spiritual leaders in their homes and communities by loving God with all their heart, soul, and mind. This involves leading in prayer, worship, and devotion, not waiting for someone else to take the initiative. It means embracing every part of your story—good and bad—and using it to glorify God, while also imagining the future He has for you. Digging deeper in faith is about passionately pursuing God and setting an example for those around you, especially your family. [52:02]

Matthew 22:37 (ESV)
"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can lead your family or those close to you in faith this week—whether through prayer, worship, or sharing your spiritual journey?


Day 4: Find Your Brothers
God never intended for anyone to walk through life alone; instead, He designed us to be surrounded by a community—a band of brothers or sisters—who will support, challenge, and carry us when we are weak. True friends are those who will call you to a higher standard, help you up when you fall, and walk with you through difficult seasons. Isolation weakens us, but authentic relationships strengthen and protect us, enabling us to fulfill God’s purpose together. [55:35]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who are the people in your life you can truly count on, and how can you intentionally invest in those relationships or seek out new ones this week?


Day 5: Be Faithful in the Small Things
God often uses small, faithful acts to accomplish great things; it’s not about doing something big and flashy, but about consistently showing up and serving in your family, church, and community. When you do the small things as if they are big things, God can turn them into something far greater than you imagined. Whether it’s being present at a child’s event, serving in your church, or reaching out in your neighborhood, your faithfulness in the little things paves the way for God’s big miracles. [01:03:03]

Luke 16:10 (ESV)
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."

Reflection: What is one small, seemingly insignificant act of faithfulness you can commit to today, trusting that God can use it for something greater?

Quotes

Why do you not think that I want something different? I want something that's going to cleanse my palate from everything else around me, something that's going to make or put a different taste in the mouth of everyone walking through. Chuck, I want you to be a fig tree in a vineyard. [00:28:08] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

God isn't trying to elevate himself because God doesn't need anybody to elevate himself. He doesn't need anybody to make more of him than he already is. God is God and there is no one like him. He's trying to raise your level of asking and thinking. [00:48:06] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

Men who are willing to push themselves beyond their comfort zones so that they are the spiritual leaders in their house. What do I mean by that? Men who will lead in prayer. Men who will lead devotions. Men who won't wait on their wives to do it. Men who will go into their children's rooms at night and pray over them before they go to bed. Men who will gather their children in their arms in the morning and speak a blessing over them before they leave out for school or they leave out for work. Men who will step up, rise up, and be the priest of the home and the prophet in your family that God called you to be. [00:50:16] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

You can't be valuable to your family if you're not involved in it. You can't be of value to your church if you don't serve in it. You can't be of value to yourself if you aren't involved in planning the vision for your life, digging deep in your faith, being actively involved with your brothers and serving faithfully in your family, your church, and your community. [00:59:06] (00:00:34 seconds) Edit Clip

The point of the story is we all have big dreams. Oh, if I could just make more money. Oh, if I could get that promotion. We all have big dreams. but we aren't called to do big things. We're called to be faithful doing small things. [01:02:27] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

So you go, those four things seem like small things. Absolutely. but when we do the small things like they're the big things, then we've just made way for God to do the big things like they're small things. [01:03:57] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip