Faithfulness and Joy in God's Calling
Summary
In our journey with God, we often find ourselves questioning our purpose, especially when faced with challenges or when our efforts seem to go unnoticed. We look at the biblical prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah, who were called by God to deliver messages that were often rejected or ignored. Yet, they were not failures; they were faithful to God's word. This is a profound truth that we must embrace: success in God's kingdom is not measured by the world's standards of success. It is not about the number of people who follow us or the visible signs of revival. Our true joy and purpose lie in being faithful to what God has called us to do, regardless of the outcome.
We are reminded that the Apostle Paul warned Timothy that a time would come when people would not endure sound teaching but would seek teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. This is not a sign of failure on our part but a reality of the times we live in. We must continue to preach the truth, even if it is not popular or widely accepted.
Jesus taught His disciples to rejoice not because of the miracles they performed or the authority they had over demons, but because their names were written in heaven. Our joy should not be based on the success of our ministry or the approval of others, but on our relationship with God and the assurance of our salvation.
We see this joy exemplified in the life of Joni Eareckson Tada, who, despite being a quadriplegic and facing numerous health challenges, radiates joy and worship. Her example teaches us that joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our understanding of God's love and faithfulness.
As a church, we are entering a season where we are called to step out in faith, to discover and use the gifts God has given us for the benefit of the body of Christ. We are not to compare ourselves with others or to dwell on our perceived inadequacies. Instead, we are to embrace the unique design and purpose God has for each of us, knowing that He knew us and had plans for us even before we were born.
Key Takeaways:
- Our worth and success are not determined by the world's standards but by our faithfulness to God's calling. Just as Jeremiah was called to speak God's word without the guarantee of human success, we too are called to be faithful, regardless of the response we receive. This faithfulness is what defines our purpose and success in God's eyes. [37:46]
- Joy in the Lord is not contingent on external circumstances but on the internal recognition of God's love and our salvation. When Jesus told His disciples to rejoice because their names were written in heaven, He was teaching them to find joy in what is eternal and unchanging, rather than in the fleeting successes of this world. [39:13]
- The example of Joni Eareckson Tada teaches us that joy can be found in the midst of suffering. Her life is a testament to the power of God's grace and the joy that comes from a deep relationship with Him, transcending physical limitations and worldly troubles. [40:42]
- We are each uniquely designed by God with a specific purpose in mind. Just as God told Jeremiah that He knew him before He formed him, we too are created with intentionality and for a divine purpose. Embracing this truth allows us to live confidently and purposefully. [47:58]
- The church is called to be a community of believers who encourage and support one another in discovering and living out God's calling. As we step out in faith, we do so with the assurance that the Holy Spirit empowers us and that we are part of a larger body working together for God's glory. [32:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 1:4-8 (ESV)
> Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”
2. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
> For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
3. Luke 10:20 (ESV)
> Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does God tell Jeremiah about his purpose before he was born? (Jeremiah 1:4-8)
2. According to Ephesians 2:10, what are we created for, and who prepared these works?
3. In Luke 10:20, what does Jesus instruct His disciples to rejoice in, and why is this significant?
4. How does the sermon describe the reaction of God towards us, and what is the significance of this reaction? [18:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God knew Jeremiah before he was born impact our view of our own purpose and calling? [23:06]
2. What does it mean to be God's workmanship, and how should this influence our daily lives and decisions? (Ephesians 2:10)
3. Why does Jesus emphasize rejoicing in our salvation rather than in the miracles or authority we might have? How does this shift our focus in ministry? (Luke 10:20)
4. How does the example of Joni Eareckson Tada illustrate the concept of joy in the Lord despite difficult circumstances? [40:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God called you to. How can Jeremiah's response to God's calling encourage you to step out in faith? [23:53]
2. What specific good works do you feel God has prepared for you to walk in? How can you begin to pursue these works more intentionally this week? (Ephesians 2:10)
3. How can you shift your focus from seeking approval and success in ministry to finding joy in your relationship with God and the assurance of your salvation? (Luke 10:20)
4. Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you find joy in the Lord despite these circumstances, similar to Joni Eareckson Tada's example? [40:42]
5. In what ways can you support and encourage others in your church community to discover and use their God-given gifts? How can you contribute to a culture of mutual support and faithfulness? [32:57]
6. Identify one area in your life where you have been comparing yourself to others. How can you embrace your unique design and purpose as created by God? [31:24]
7. How can you practically remind yourself daily that your worth and success are determined by your faithfulness to God's calling, not by the world's standards? [37:46]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of faithfulness, purpose, and joy as presented in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness Defines Success
Faithfulness to God's calling is the true measure of success in the Christian life. It is easy to become discouraged when the world does not recognize or appreciate our efforts, but the Bible teaches us that our worth is not determined by human standards. Like the prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah, who remained steadfast despite opposition and indifference, we too are called to be faithful. This faithfulness is not about the results we see but about our obedience and commitment to God's will. It is in this unwavering dedication to God's purpose that we find our true success and fulfillment.
"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" - Jeremiah 6:16 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate faithfulness to God's calling in your life today, even if it goes unnoticed by others? [07:40]
Day 2: Joy Beyond Circumstances
Joy in the Christian life is not dependent on external achievements or circumstances but is rooted in the eternal reality of God's love and our salvation. Jesus taught His disciples to find their greatest joy not in the miracles they performed or the authority they had but in their relationship with God and the assurance that their names were written in heaven. This joy is unshakeable because it is based on what is everlasting and true. It is a joy that transcends the ups and downs of life and anchors us in the hope and peace that come from knowing we are loved and saved by God.
"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." - 1 Peter 4:13 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your relationship with God, independent of your life's current circumstances? [39:13]
Day 3: Strength in Suffering
The life of Joni Eareckson Tada exemplifies that true joy and strength can be found even in the midst of suffering. Her unwavering faith and the joy she radiates despite her physical limitations remind us that our circumstances do not define our happiness or our worth. God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in weakness. When we understand and experience God's love and faithfulness, we can find joy that defies our struggles and challenges, pointing others to the hope we have in Christ.
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." - 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace God's grace in your current struggles to experience joy and strength in Him? [40:42]
Day 4: Embracing Divine Design
Each person is uniquely created by God with a specific purpose in mind. Before we were born, God knew us and had plans for our lives. Embracing this truth allows us to live confidently and purposefully, without comparing ourselves to others or feeling inadequate. Our individuality is part of God's divine design, and when we understand and accept the unique role He has for us, we can serve Him and others with the gifts and talents He has given us, fulfilling the specific calling He has placed on our lives.
"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." - Psalm 139:16 ESV
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve the body of Christ and fulfill your divine purpose? [47:58]
Day 5: Community of Faithful Servants
The church is called to be a community where believers encourage and support one another in discovering and living out God's calling. As we step out in faith, we do so with the assurance that the Holy Spirit empowers us and that we are part of a larger body working together for God's glory. This communal aspect of faith allows us to grow and serve in ways we could not on our own. It is in the unity and diversity of the body of Christ that we find strength and purpose, as we each contribute our unique gifts for the benefit of all.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the life of your church community to encourage others and be encouraged in your walk with God? [32:57]
Quotes
1) "I get so much pleasure when I am doing what I know I was made to do and it's actually helping people. There's nothing like it when you go, 'God is actually using me to bless other people.'" [20:13] (Download)
2) "We're designed to go do something, create something, make something... I've got God inside of me. This is why we want you to go and figure out what is it, what am I made for." [32:57] (Download)
3) "Once there's that moment of repentance, it's like stop, celebrate now. The joy of the Lord is our strength. How do we stay strong and survive everything that's going on in the world? The joy of the Lord." [45:43] (Download)
4) "We may look completely different, but he had a purpose. Just go after it, go after this. This is what life is about. You were made by him and for him, and he doesn't mess up when he creates someone." [48:38] (Download)
5) "When you understand these things that I'm talking about, it trumps a lot of the stuff and the pain and the difficulties you've gone through, and you can suddenly be in prison saying rejoice in the lord always." [43:32] (Download)
6) "It's when every part is working properly, then the body actually grows... but it's when every part is working properly and so we just feel like okay some of you need to start some new things that scare you." [20:58] (Download)
7) "God, before I came out my mother's womb, you already knew what I was going to be and you already had plans for me... I was made for this, I was designed for this, you knew me before you made me." [25:58] (Download)
8) "We assume if we don't see Revival we are failures. Well, join the crowd. This book then is full of failures. No, these are people who were faithful to God's word." [37:07] (Download)
9) "God's celebrating us, we're doing what we're called to do, and we rejoice in that. You guys, we just aren't attracted to people who have a life, you know, and then there's others that just bum you out." [42:50] (Download)
10) "But that's what leads us to rejoice. So we go out, we try these things, maybe we fail in our own minds, or we don't see the Revival that we wanted. God's celebrating us, we're doing what we're called to do." [42:06] (Download)
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