Finding Joy and Purpose in God's Mission
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal story about shoveling snow for the first time and the unexpected joy my children found in playing in it. This simple experience reminded me of the importance of finding joy and purpose in unexpected places. It also led into a discussion about the upcoming South by Southwest event in Austin, Texas, where a group called SVC will be setting up a prayer tent and sending out street teams to evangelize. This is a unique opportunity to bring the good news to a diverse audience from around the world, and I encouraged everyone to participate, whether through prayer or active involvement.
We then delved into the final part of our significance series, focusing on being a witness for Christ. We revisited the importance of having a significant prayer life and living a lifestyle that reflects Christ's teachings. These foundational elements prepare us to be effective witnesses. The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, calls us to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing that our mission is not confined to the walls of the church but extends to the world.
I challenged us to consider whether we are too focused on building physical churches rather than the Kingdom of God. The church should be a place of renewal and refueling, not a final destination. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, going out to make disciples and living countercultural lives that reflect the fruits of the Spirit as described in Colossians 3:5-17 and Galatians 5:16-26.
Walking by the Spirit empowers us to overcome worldly desires and live lives marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes enable us to be effective witnesses in a world that often misunderstands or opposes the Spirit's work. By embracing our new selves in Christ, we can impact the world around us, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love.
Key Takeaways:
- Finding Joy in Unexpected Places: Sometimes, the simplest experiences, like playing in the snow, can remind us of the joy and purpose God places in our lives. Embracing these moments can lead us to unexpected opportunities to serve and witness to others. [32:29]
- The Great Commission's Call to Action: The Great Commission is a call for all believers to actively participate in making disciples of all nations. This mission extends beyond the church walls and requires us to live out our faith in everyday life. [38:16]
- Building the Kingdom, Not Just Churches: Our focus should be on building the Kingdom of God rather than merely constructing physical church buildings. The church is a place of renewal, but our mission is to go out and share the gospel with the world. [43:06]
- Living Countercultural Lives: As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the fruits of the Spirit, standing in contrast to the world's values. This countercultural lifestyle is a powerful witness to the transformative power of Christ. [45:11]
- Walking by the Spirit: Walking by the Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh and live lives marked by love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. This spiritual walk is essential for being effective witnesses in a world that often opposes God's work. [49:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:29] - Shoveling Snow and Finding Joy
- [33:44] - South by Southwest Evangelism Opportunity
- [35:28] - Significance Series: Being a Witness
- [36:13] - Importance of a Significant Prayer Life
- [36:45] - Living a Christ-Centered Lifestyle
- [38:16] - The Great Commission
- [39:24] - Called to Action: Making Disciples
- [41:17] - Building the Kingdom, Not Just Churches
- [44:22] - Embracing Our Unique Witness
- [45:11] - Living Countercultural Lives
- [47:01] - The Tension Between Worldly and Spiritual Desires
- [49:07] - Walking by the Spirit
- [51:11] - Joy and Peace in the Spirit
- [52:42] - The Power of the Spirit in Our Witness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission
2. Colossians 3:5-17 - Living a Christ-Centered Life
3. Galatians 5:16-26 - Walking by the Spirit
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the personal story shared in the sermon about shoveling snow, and how did it relate to finding joy in unexpected places? [32:29]
2. How is the South by Southwest event in Austin, Texas, described as an opportunity for evangelism? [33:44]
3. According to the sermon, what are the foundational elements that prepare us to be effective witnesses for Christ? [35:28]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the focus of the church in relation to building physical structures versus building the Kingdom of God? [43:06]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge believers to live out their faith beyond the church walls? [38:16]
2. In what ways does Colossians 3:5-17 describe a countercultural lifestyle, and why is this important for Christians? [45:11]
3. How does walking by the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:16-26, empower believers to overcome worldly desires? [49:07]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of prayer in preparing us to be witnesses for Christ? [35:57]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent experience where you found joy in an unexpected place. How can you be more open to these moments in your daily life? [32:29]
2. The sermon mentioned the South by Southwest event as a chance to evangelize. Is there a local event or opportunity where you can share your faith? How can you prepare for it? [33:44]
3. Consider your current prayer life. What steps can you take to make it more significant and foundational for your witness as a Christian? [35:57]
4. Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on building physical or material things rather than contributing to God's Kingdom? How can you shift your focus? [43:06]
5. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with. What specific action can you take this week to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [49:07]
6. Think of a situation where you are tempted to conform to worldly values. How can you apply the teachings from Colossians 3:5-17 to live counterculturally in that situation? [45:11]
7. How can you actively participate in making disciples in your community? Identify one person you can reach out to this week to share the love of Christ. [38:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering Joy in the Unexpected
Finding joy in unexpected places can transform our perspective and open doors to new opportunities. In the simple act of shoveling snow, one might find an unexpected delight, as children do when they play in it. This joy is a reminder that God places purpose in our lives, often in the most unanticipated moments. Embracing these moments can lead us to serve others and witness to them in ways we never imagined. By being open to the unexpected, we allow God to work through us in unique and powerful ways. [32:29]
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV): "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man."
Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected moment that brought you joy. How can you use that experience to serve or witness to someone today?
Day 2: The Great Commission's Call to Action
The Great Commission is a directive for all believers to actively engage in making disciples of all nations. This mission is not limited to the confines of the church but extends into every aspect of our daily lives. Living out our faith means embodying Christ's teachings in our actions, words, and interactions with others. By doing so, we fulfill our role in God's plan, bringing His message of love and salvation to a world in need. [38:16]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Identify one area of your daily life where you can be more intentional about living out the Great Commission. What specific steps can you take to share your faith in that context?
Day 3: Building the Kingdom, Not Just Churches
Our focus should be on building the Kingdom of God rather than merely constructing physical church buildings. The church serves as a place of renewal and refueling, but it is not the final destination. We are called to be active participants in God's mission, going out to make disciples and living lives that reflect the fruits of the Spirit. By prioritizing the Kingdom, we align ourselves with God's greater purpose and contribute to His work in the world. [43:06]
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to building God's Kingdom in your community. What practical actions can you take this week to support this mission?
Day 4: Living Countercultural Lives
As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the fruits of the Spirit, standing in contrast to the world's values. This countercultural lifestyle serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of Christ. By embracing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we demonstrate the impact of God's love in our lives. This way of living not only sets us apart but also draws others to the hope and truth found in Christ. [45:11]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Reflect on one area of your life where you feel pressure to conform to worldly values. How can you choose to live counterculturally in that area today?
Day 5: Walking by the Spirit
Walking by the Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh and live lives marked by the fruits of the Spirit. This spiritual walk is essential for being effective witnesses in a world that often opposes God's work. By relying on the Spirit's guidance, we can navigate the challenges of life with love, joy, peace, and other attributes that reflect Christ's character. Embracing our new selves in Christ allows us to impact the world around us, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love. [49:07]
Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to walk by the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to invite the Spirit's guidance and strength in that area today?
Quotes
The Great Commission is the mission that we are called to as followers of Christ. I mean, he tells the disciples he's got all power and authority on Heaven and Earth, and then he tells them to go. He didn't say, all right, now y'all just stay here, don't worry about it, I'll do all the work. [00:39:22]
We are people who are likeminded. God has revealed himself to us in this particular way for us to come together as a community, but this is not where we're supposed to stay. We're supposed to come here, gain a little bit more understanding of who God is, and then go share that understanding with someone else. [00:41:31]
The church is where you get refilled and renewed, and God reveals himself to you, but then you go back out there. There should be no inward focus of I'm only going to do things for my people because Jesus died and said all people are my people, and if all people aren't represented in this room, we still got some people we got to meet. [00:41:59]
I've had thoughts of have we placed too much emphasis globally as a church to the building? Are we too focused on trying to build the biggest church in the area, or are we actually focused on building the kingdom of God? Where is our focus? Because if we're too focused on the building, we're never going to fulfill the Great Commission. [00:43:04]
We are more than the sum of our physical being. We get the Holy Spirit to empower us where God says you're going to be more now, and in that, our witness gets to be countercultural. This means we get to present ourselves differently than what society calls us to be or wants us to be. [00:44:48]
Consider the members of your Earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of Disobedience, and in them, you also once walked when you are living in them. [00:45:15]
Beyond all these things, put on love, which is the perfect Bond of unity. Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another with Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. [00:46:34]
We get this tension of what the world wants us to be. The world wants us to talk bad about each other. The world wants us to idolize people, places, or things. The world wants us to become a son or daughter of Disobedience and an act of rebellion against God because that's what Satan, the enemy, wants us to do. [00:47:05]
As Christians, we get the power to overcome that, and then we get to put in This Heart of compassion for others. We get to be kind and be humble, gentle, and patient, all because it is pouring out of our love for each other. We're to take off the old desires of our flesh and put on a new self. [00:47:34]
This act of take off and put on has to be a daily surrender to God. This is part of that active participant in the gospel. To be an AC of witness, you have to die to yourself where you take up your cross, and you're crucifying your physical Earthly desires just so you can focus on Jesus and the spiritual life that he has for us. [00:48:17]
If we live by the spirit, let us also walk by the spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, or envying one another. Again, we get this list of things that the world wants us to be, and yet the answer to all of that is to walk in the spirit, to walk in love, to have joy. [00:50:34]
The world doesn't understand the spirit in the way that we understand the spirit. The world understands like they understand there might be something spiritual, and it's easier for them to understand the evil side of it than the good side of it, which always makes me confused because if you can believe in one and not the other, what sense does that make? [00:52:42]
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