Embracing Purpose and Generosity in Faith
Summary
In the exploration of faith and the Christian life, the concept of purpose is central. Individuals are reminded that their existence is rooted in God, and it is through God that they find their purpose and calling. This purpose is not just for individual fulfillment but is also tied to a collective calling, sacrifice, and reward that believers share because of Jesus. The narrative of Jeremiah from the Bible is used to illustrate this point, highlighting that even when individuals feel inadequate or unprepared, like Jeremiah did, God has already appointed them for a specific purpose.
The discussion then shifts to the idea of impossibility and how, through belief in Jesus, what was once impossible becomes possible. This is exemplified by various biblical figures who initially expressed doubt or hesitation, such as Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Peter, but eventually embraced God's call and found that their "cannot" turned into "can" because of their faith in Jesus.
A significant portion of the message focuses on the early church and a lesser-known figure from the Bible, Barnabas. Barnabas is highlighted as a key player in the growth of the early church, not because of his prominence in scripture, but because of his actions. His generosity in selling a field and giving the proceeds to the apostles is seen as a catalyst for the church's mission and unity. The unity of believers and their willingness to share possessions is emphasized as a powerful testament to the resurrection of Jesus and the grace of God at work among them.
The message also touches on the importance of embracing the mystery of God. It is suggested that without the ability to embrace the unknown aspects of God, individuals cannot fully live in the freedom that God offers. This is tied to the idea that faith involves trusting in God's leading without necessarily knowing the outcome.
Generosity is a recurring theme, with the idea that believers are called to be generous not just financially but in all aspects of their lives. This generosity is not about the amount given but the heart behind the giving. The narrative of Barnabas is used to encourage believers to give without needing to control the outcome, trusting that God will use their gifts for His purposes.
The message concludes with a call to trust in God's provision and timing, emphasizing that God is the "God of now" and the "God of next." It is a reminder that believers do not need to know what comes next when they surrender their cares to God, as He is in control of both the present and the future.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Jeremiah serves as a powerful reminder that God's calling transcends our self-doubt and perceived limitations. Just as Jeremiah was called to be a prophet despite his youth, individuals today are called to embrace the roles God has designed for them, trusting that He has equipped them for such purposes. This challenges believers to step beyond their comfort zones, trusting in God's plan over their own insecurities. [59:13]
- The transformation from "cannot" to "can" is a testament to the power of faith in Jesus. The biblical accounts of figures like Abraham and Peter show that when individuals surrender their doubts and say "yes" to God, they unlock the potential for the impossible to become possible. This principle encourages believers to approach their faith journey with a sense of expectancy for God's enabling power. [01:00:22]
- Barnabas's example of generosity in the early church highlights the impact one person's actions can have on the broader community of faith. His willingness to sell his property and donate the proceeds was a tangible expression of unity and support that fueled the church's mission. This act of giving without reservation inspires believers to consider how their own generosity can contribute to the collective work of the church. [01:04:23]
- Embracing the mystery of God is essential for living a life of faith. The inability to have all the answers should not hinder believers from stepping out in faith. Instead, it is an invitation to trust in God's sovereignty and to find freedom in the unknown, recognizing that faith is not about having all the answers but about following the One who does. [01:13:32]
- The principle of giving and releasing control is a crucial aspect of Christian living. As believers give of themselves, whether it be time, resources, or talents, they are participating in a divine exchange that allows them to receive more from God. This cycle of giving and receiving is a reflection of the nature of God's kingdom, where generosity is both a privilege and a responsibility. [01:32:15]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
2. Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need."
Observation Questions:
1. In Jeremiah 1:5, what does God reveal about Jeremiah's purpose before he was born?
2. According to Acts 4:32-35, how did the early believers view their possessions, and what did they do with them?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jeremiah's calling suggest about God's knowledge and intention for each person's life?
2. How did the actions of the early church in Acts reflect their understanding of community and sharing in response to the resurrection of Jesus?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life; can you identify a time when you felt unqualified for a task or calling? How does Jeremiah's story encourage you in that situation?
2. Consider your possessions and resources. Is there something specific you feel led to share or give away to support the needs of others in your community this week?
3. Think about the unity described among the early believers. Identify one action you can take to foster a similar sense of unity within your own church or small group.
4. Recall a moment when you witnessed a need within your church or community. What is one practical step you can take to help ensure 'there are no needy persons among them'?
5. In light of the generosity shown by Barnabas, is there a specific encouragement or support you can offer to someone in your faith community who is stepping into a new role or ministry?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Design for Us
God has a unique purpose for each person, one that surpasses our own doubts and perceived limitations. Like Jeremiah, who felt too young and inadequate, we are called to trust that God has prepared us for the roles He has assigned. This divine purpose is not limited by our self-doubt or inexperience; rather, it is empowered by God's own equipping and calling. [59:13]
Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: What insecurities have been holding you back from pursuing the purpose God might have for you?
Day 2: Faith Transforms Impossibility
The shift from "cannot" to "can" is a journey of faith, where surrendering to God turns impossibility into reality. Biblical figures like Abraham and Peter exemplify this transformation, showing that faith in Jesus enables us to overcome our doubts and limitations. When we say "yes" to God, we open ourselves to His power to do the extraordinary through us. [01:00:22]
Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
Reflection: Can you identify a "cannot" in your life that, with faith, could be turned into a "can"?
Day 3: Generosity Fuels Community
The act of giving selflessly, as demonstrated by Barnabas, has the power to strengthen and unify the community of faith. His example shows that our generosity can significantly impact the church's mission and the lives of others. When we give without seeking control, we participate in the divine work of spreading grace and unity. [01:04:23]
Acts 4:36-37 - "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'son of encouragement'), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet."
Reflection: How can your generosity, like that of Barnabas, support the mission and unity of your faith community?
Day 4: Trusting in the Mystery of God
Embracing the mystery of God is an invitation to live in faith, trusting in His sovereignty despite not having all the answers. This trust allows us to experience freedom and to follow God's leading, even when the path ahead is unknown. Faith is about reliance on God's wisdom and timing, not our own understanding. [01:13:32]
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the mystery of God and trust in His sovereignty?
Day 5: The Divine Exchange of Giving
Generosity is a reflection of God's kingdom, where giving is not about the amount but the heart behind it. As we give our time, resources, or talents, we engage in a divine exchange that allows us to receive God's abundance. This cycle of giving and receiving is central to our spiritual growth and the manifestation of God's nature in our lives. [01:32:15]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What can you give cheerfully today, trusting that God will use it for His purposes?
Quotes
1) "We don't have to know what happens next when we surrender every single care we have... we just know that you are the god of now and you are the god of next and it is in your hand and that's enough." [01:48:02]
2) "If you cannot embrace the mystery of God, you'll never have the faith to do the impossible that he's called you to do and never have the freedom to live in that he's given you." [01:13:32]
3) "God's word we seek it for a take in often times but stay with it and you will find as much life in giving out what you just took in." [01:11:08]
4) "The power of God was never meant to come into a person; it was meant to go through a person." [01:11:41]
5) "Financial giving is a natural response to a supernatural relationship with Jesus... it's because of who is my father." [01:27:11]
6) "Transformed people have a natural desire to supernaturally give extravagantly of themselves... without having to control the outcome." [01:17:56]
7) "We are all called to breathe God's word daily and what will happen is we will begin seeing God's word as what he has for us in the beginning." [01:09:27]
8) "As long as we live, we are called to open the door of ministry and to open the door of Salvation to other people through generosity." [01:32:15]
9) "The unity of believers and their willingness to share possessions is emphasized as a powerful testament to the resurrection of Jesus and the grace of God at work among them." [01:02:56]
10) "The narrative of Barnabas is used to encourage believers to give without needing to control the outcome, trusting that God will use their gifts for His purposes." [01:34:33]
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