Embracing Singleness: Leveraging Life for God's Glory
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound theme of leveraging our lives for the glory of God, particularly through the lens of singleness. We began by acknowledging the vast number of people worldwide who have yet to know Jesus and prayed for our church to have a heart for the nations, welcoming all people regardless of their background. This aligns with our mission to reach out to our community, including launching an ESL program to serve and share the gospel with refugees and others in need.
We delved into the concept of leveraging our lives, asking whether our current pursuits will matter in eternity. The only lasting impact is the glory of Jesus and His church. Using a magnifying glass as a metaphor, we explored what we are magnifying in our lives—whether it's our careers, relationships, or personal ambitions—and how we can instead focus on magnifying Jesus.
The sermon then shifted to the topic of singleness, a subject often overlooked in church discussions. We explored how singleness, like marriage, is a gift from God, offering unique opportunities for undivided devotion to the Lord. We discussed the importance of embracing the season of singleness, recognizing it as a time to deepen relationships, spend intimate time with God, and take bold risks for the gospel.
Furthermore, we emphasized that true fulfillment and joy are found in Jesus, not in marriage, children, or any other earthly relationship. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God's presence, there is fullness of joy. We encouraged everyone, regardless of their relationship status, to experience Jesus as the fullness of their joy.
Finally, we explored practical ways to leverage singleness for the gospel, as outlined in 1 Peter 4. This includes drawing near to God, loving others earnestly, showing hospitality, and serving one another. By focusing on these actions, we can magnify Jesus in our lives and bring Him glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace the Season of Singleness: Singleness is a gift that allows for undivided devotion to the Lord. Embracing this season means recognizing the unique opportunities it presents for deepening relationships and taking bold steps for the gospel. [56:42]
- Experience Jesus as the Fullness of Joy: True joy and fulfillment are found in Jesus, not in marriage or any other earthly relationship. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God's presence, there is fullness of joy. [01:02:46]
- Leverage Singleness by Drawing Near to God: Singleness offers a unique season to draw closer to God, free from the distractions that can come with other life stages. This is a time to deepen your relationship with Him and be watchful in prayer. [01:08:56]
- Show Hospitality and Serve Others: Biblical hospitality involves welcoming others into your life and home. Whether single or married, we are called to serve one another and use our gifts to bless others, reflecting God's grace. [01:16:41]
- Avoid Comparison and Focus on God's Grace: Each person's journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others can lead to discontentment. Instead, focus on the grace God has given you and use it to serve and glorify Him. [01:19:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [35:27] - Prayer for the Nations
- [43:11] - Leveraging Our Lives
- [53:03] - Singleness as a Gift
- [56:42] - Embrace the Season
- [59:27] - Opportunities in Singleness
- [01:02:46] - Fulfillment in Jesus
- [01:05:40] - Joy in God's Presence
- [01:08:56] - Drawing Near to God
- [01:13:06] - Love and Relationships
- [01:16:41] - Hospitality and Service
- [01:19:58] - Avoiding Comparison
- [01:23:16] - Glorifying Jesus
- [01:26:20] - Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 7:6-8, 32-35
- Psalm 16:11
- 1 Peter 4:7-11
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Corinthians 7:6-8, Paul refers to singleness as a gift. What reasons does he give for this perspective? [53:03]
2. According to Psalm 16:11, where is the fullness of joy found, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about fulfillment? [01:02:46]
3. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, what are the specific actions Peter encourages believers to take, and how do these actions serve to glorify God? [01:08:56]
4. The sermon used a magnifying glass as a metaphor. What are some things in life that people might magnify, and how does this relate to the concept of leveraging our lives for God's glory? [43:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul’s view of singleness as a gift challenge or affirm common cultural perceptions about singleness and marriage? [53:03]
2. What does it mean to experience Jesus as the fullness of joy, and how might this understanding impact someone’s approach to relationships? [01:05:40]
3. In what ways can the actions described in 1 Peter 4:7-11 be seen as practical ways to leverage singleness for the gospel? [01:08:56]
4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on avoiding comparison and focusing on God’s grace provide a framework for understanding personal value and purpose? [01:19:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life pursuits. Are there areas where you might be magnifying something other than Jesus? How can you refocus to ensure that Jesus is the center of your life? [43:11]
2. If you are single, how can you embrace this season as a gift and use it to deepen your relationship with God and others? What specific steps can you take this week to leverage your singleness for the gospel? [56:42]
3. For those who are married, how can you support and encourage your single friends in their walk with God? What practical steps can you take to include them in your community and show hospitality? [01:16:41]
4. Consider the concept of finding fulfillment in Jesus rather than in earthly relationships. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in God’s presence this week? [01:02:46]
5. How can you actively show hospitality and serve others in your current life stage, whether single or married? Identify one person or family you can reach out to this week. [01:16:41]
6. Reflect on any areas of your life where you might be comparing yourself to others. How can you shift your focus to appreciate the unique grace God has given you? [01:19:58]
7. Identify one way you can draw nearer to God in prayer and devotion this week. What specific time or activity can you dedicate to deepening your relationship with Him? [01:08:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Singleness as a Divine Opportunity
Singleness is often seen as a waiting period, but it is a unique season that God has given to deepen your relationship with Him and to serve others without distraction. This time allows for undivided devotion to the Lord, offering opportunities to take bold steps for the gospel. Embracing singleness means recognizing it as a gift, not a burden, and using it to magnify Jesus in your life. By focusing on the eternal impact of your actions, you can find purpose and fulfillment in this season. [56:42]
1 Corinthians 7:32-34 (ESV): "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided."
Reflection: How can you use your current season of singleness to deepen your relationship with God and serve others in your community today?
Day 2: Discover Joy in Jesus Alone
True joy and fulfillment are found in Jesus, not in earthly relationships or achievements. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God's presence, there is fullness of joy. This means that regardless of your relationship status, you can experience complete joy by drawing near to Jesus. By focusing on Him as the source of your joy, you can find contentment and peace in every season of life. [01:02:46]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What are some ways you can intentionally seek joy in Jesus today, rather than in your circumstances or relationships?
Day 3: Draw Near to God in Singleness
Singleness offers a unique opportunity to draw closer to God, free from the distractions that can come with other life stages. This is a time to deepen your relationship with Him, be watchful in prayer, and seek His guidance for your life. By prioritizing your spiritual growth, you can use this season to prepare for whatever God has planned for your future. [01:08:56]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to draw closer to God and deepen your relationship with Him during this season of singleness?
Day 4: Practice Hospitality and Serve Others
Biblical hospitality involves welcoming others into your life and home, reflecting God's grace and love. Whether single or married, you are called to serve one another and use your gifts to bless others. By focusing on hospitality and service, you can magnify Jesus in your life and bring Him glory. This is a practical way to live out your faith and make a lasting impact on those around you. [01:16:41]
1 Peter 4:9-10 (ESV): "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Who is someone you can show hospitality to this week, and how can you serve them in a way that reflects God's love and grace?
Day 5: Focus on God's Grace, Not Comparison
Each person's journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others can lead to discontentment. Instead, focus on the grace God has given you and use it to serve and glorify Him. By avoiding comparison and embracing your unique path, you can find contentment and purpose in your life. This perspective allows you to appreciate the gifts and opportunities God has placed before you. [01:19:58]
Galatians 6:4-5 (ESV): "But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself comparing to others, and how can you shift your focus to appreciate the unique grace and gifts God has given you?
Quotes
"Would you just pray right now even for those maybe in your neighborhoods on your campuses, in your workplaces, those of different religions and backgrounds, and maybe just anyone who is far away from God. Would you just take a minute and lift them up to the Lord right now? Pray for their good. Pray that God would bless them. And pray that God would reveal His Son, Jesus Christ." [00:34:31] (33 seconds)
"Is how you're currently leveraging your life going to make an impact that matters 100 billion years from now? I think most of us would say that most of the things we care about, most of the things that give us anxiety, most of the things that stress us out and worry us, 100 billion years from now aren't going to matter, right? I mean, I know we don't like to think about that, but I actually heard a statistic that over 90 % of the things that we worry about statistically will never happen." [00:43:11] (30 seconds)
"Here's the one thing that's going to matter 100 billion years from now. The glory of Jesus and His church. That's it. That's the only thing that's going to be around. In fact, even Impact Church is not going to be here 100 billion years from now. I pray that Jesus is back by then and we just are folded into the kingdom of God. But regardless, like is what we're doing investing in just our church or are we investing in something that's going to matter 100 billion years from now?" [00:44:34] (31 seconds)
"Embrace the season that you are in. Paul says, he says, I'm giving you, like God has given you this gift for one reason. It's not to make you frustrated. It's not to ruin your life. He says, God has given you this gift to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. Now that's a gift. If we think about just singleness as a gift for those who don't want to be single, that doesn't seem like much of a gift. But you know what is a gift? An undivided devotion to the Lord. That's a gift." [00:56:30] (47 seconds)
"Fulfillment of joy comes by being in the presence of the Lord. That's it. And I got good news for you today. You can be in the presence of the Lord, no matter what your relationship status is. You can. See, I'm old enough to remember when Facebook relationship statuses meant something. I do. I'm old enough to remember how bad it hurts when someone you're going to ask to be your wife doesn't confirm your relationship requests." [01:05:06] (31 seconds)
"Grace is a free gift from God. We've all been given grace. Some of you have been given the gift of grace of a marriage. Some of you have been given the gift of grace of singleness. The bottom line is we've been given this grace and the reason that we're given to it is to serve one another. So singleness is a gift from God to be used to serve one another." [01:18:11] (25 seconds)
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