Empowered by Grace: Living Out Our Divine Purpose

Paul’s opening words to the Corinthians are more than a greeting—they are a declaration of identity, purpose, and the faithfulness of God. The story of Sosthenes, once an adversary and then a companion, reminds us that God’s grace can transform even the most unlikely people and situations. In Christ, every believer is called a saint—not because of personal perfection, but because God has set each one apart for a unique purpose. Just as a coffee tumbler is set apart for a specific use, so too are we set apart for God’s purposes, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary our lives may seem.

God’s grace is not just a theological concept; it is the empowering presence that gives both the desire and the ability to do His will. Grace is love in action, and it is God Himself working in us, enabling us to live out our calling. We are not left to struggle alone or to clean ourselves up by our own strength. Instead, God partners with us, giving us spiritual gifts—charisma—that are meant not only for the church but for everyday life. These gifts are practical tools for discernment, wisdom, and encouragement, equipping us to be Christ’s representatives in the world.

Life’s challenges and uncertainties do not negate God’s faithfulness. Even when circumstances are difficult, God is present, working all things together for our good. Our calling is not to passively wait for God to drop purpose into our laps, but to step out, pursue what is in our hearts, and trust that God will guide and empower us along the way. Obedience often precedes understanding; as we move forward, God opens doors and confirms our steps.

Ultimately, our identity as saints, our empowerment by grace, and our partnership with God are anchored in His unwavering faithfulness. We are not alone, and we are not without purpose. God’s desire is for us to live lives more abundant and fulfilling than we could ever imagine, trusting Him through every season and circumstance.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Grace Transforms and Empowers Grace is not merely unmerited favor; it is God’s active presence, giving us both the desire and the power to do His will. We are not called to strive in our own strength, but to lean into the grace that enables us to live out God’s purposes, even when we feel inadequate or unqualified. Grace is love in action, and it is always sufficient for whatever God calls us to do. [11:43]
• 2. Holiness Means Being Set Apart for Purpose To be holy is not to be flawless, but to be set apart for God’s use—just as a coffee tumbler is set apart for coffee alone. Our value and identity are rooted in God’s intentional design and calling. No one is an accident; each person is here on purpose, for a purpose, and that purpose is discovered as we walk with God. [07:21]
• 3. Spiritual Gifts Are for Everyday Life The gifts of the Spirit—wisdom, discernment, prophecy, and more—are not reserved for church services but are meant to be used in daily interactions and decisions. God equips us with these gifts to navigate life, serve others, and reveal His heart to the world. Our partnership with the Holy Spirit is practical, empowering us to be Christ’s hands and voice wherever we go. [20:39]
• 4. God’s Will Is Discovered in Motion Rather than waiting passively for a clear sign, we are called to step out in faith, pursue what is in our hearts, and trust God to direct our paths. Obedience often comes before clarity; as we move, God guides, opens doors, and confirms our calling. God is not a puppet master—He desires partnership, not passivity, and He delights in fulfilling us as we walk with Him. [28:52]
• 5. God’s Faithfulness Is Our Anchor in Uncertainty Life will bring challenges, disappointments, and pain, but God’s faithfulness never wavers. He works all things together for our good, even when circumstances are not good in themselves. Our security is not in a trouble-free life, but in the unchanging character of God, who is always with us, always trustworthy, and always working for our ultimate good. [44:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Paul’s Introduction and Sosthenes’ Story
• [03:43] - Sosthenes’ Conversion and God’s Surprising Work
• [05:32] - Saints: Our Identity and Calling
• [07:21] - Holiness Illustrated: The Coffee Tumbler
• [09:57] - Grace and Peace: The Heart of God’s Favor
• [11:43] - Grace Defined: Desire and Power to Do God’s Will
• [14:13] - The Heart Issue Behind Sin
• [17:54] - Delighting in God and Receiving His Desires
• [18:59] - Spiritual Gifts: Charisma for Life
• [20:39] - Gifts of the Spirit in Everyday Situations
• [23:37] - Jesus’ Promise: Life More Abundant
• [26:32] - Discovering Purpose Through Obedience
• [28:52] - God’s Will: Partnership, Not Passivity
• [32:33] - Finding Home in God’s Calling
• [34:28] - You’re Not Alone: God’s Faithfulness
• [39:23] - Trusting God in Practical Matters
• [42:17] - Saints, Identity, and Trust
• [44:40] - God Works All Things for Good
• [46:17] - Prayer and Blessing

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (ESV) — > Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
> To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
> Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
> I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,
> that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—
> even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—
> so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
> who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
> God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Acts 18:9-17 (ESV) — > And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
> But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” And he drove them from the tribunal. And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Philippians 2:13 (ESV) — > For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:2, what does Paul call the believers in Corinth, and what does that title mean for their identity?
2. What happened to Sosthenes in Acts 18, and how did his story change after his encounter with Paul and the church? [03:43]
3. In 1 Corinthians 1:4-7, what does Paul say the believers have received from God, and how does he describe these gifts?
4. According to Philippians 2:13, who is at work in believers, and what two things does God provide?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that being a “saint” or “holy” means being set apart for God’s purpose, not being perfect. How does this understanding change the way someone might see themselves and their daily life? [07:21]
2. Sosthenes went from being an adversary to a companion of Paul. What does his story show about the power of God’s grace to transform people and situations? [03:43]
3. The sermon describes grace as “God’s active presence, giving us both the desire and the power to do His will.” How is this different from just seeing grace as forgiveness? [11:43]
4. The gifts of the Spirit are described as practical tools for everyday life, not just for church services. What might it look like to use spiritual gifts outside of church? [20:39]

Application Questions

1. The sermon used the example of a coffee tumbler being set apart for a specific use. What is something in your life that you feel God has set you apart for? How can you live that out this week? [07:21]
2. Sosthenes’ story shows that God can change even the most unlikely people. Is there someone in your life you’ve given up on, or a situation that seems hopeless? How might God’s grace be at work there? [03:43]
3. The sermon said, “We are not left to struggle alone or to clean ourselves up by our own strength.” Are there areas where you’ve been trying to “fix” yourself without leaning on God’s grace? What would it look like to invite God’s help? [14:13]
4. The gifts of the Spirit—like wisdom, discernment, and encouragement—are for everyday life. Can you think of a recent situation where you needed one of these gifts? How could you ask God to use you in that way this week? [20:39]
5. The pastor said, “God’s will is discovered in motion,” and encouraged people to step out and pursue what’s in their hearts. Is there something you’ve been waiting for a sign about, but maybe God is asking you to take a step of faith? What would that step look like? [28:52]
6. The sermon reminded us that “God’s faithfulness is our anchor in uncertainty.” When life is hard or uncertain, what helps you remember God’s faithfulness? Is there a specific promise or story that encourages you? [44:40]
7. The pastor shared about feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities but learning to trust God’s presence and provision. Is there a practical area of your life where you need to trust God more? What’s one thing you can do this week to practice that trust? [39:23]