Finding Purpose and Unity in God's Presence
Summary
Today’s gathering was a family moment, a time to pause and truly lean into the presence of God together. On this Mother’s Day, we began by praying intentionally for three groups: mothers and grandmothers, women who long to be mothers, and those for whom this day brings pain or loss. In each prayer, the heart cry was for an outpouring of God’s presence—because it is only in His presence that we find strength, hope, healing, and transformation. We recognized that every season of life, every joy and every burden, is best carried when we are united with Christ and with one another.
We continued our journey through Philippians, focusing on the truth that our purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we are in Jesus. Our one purpose is to live in union with Him, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves. This purpose is unchanging, regardless of our circumstances or roles. When we root our identity in Christ, every aspect of our lives—work, family, relationships—finds its “why” in Him.
Paul’s words in Philippians 2 call us to a radical unity and humility. If we have received encouragement, comfort, and love from Christ, we are to be of one mind and one spirit with each other. True oneness with God is inseparable from oneness with His people. This unity is not just a theological idea; it is meant to be lived out in practical, everyday ways—through humility, valuing others above ourselves, and serving one another.
We explored the idea that while talent and ability are gifts from God, it is character—being reliable, available, and teachable—that sustains us and builds community. The “tiny, noticeable things” that require no talent—kindness, gratitude, listening, faithfulness—are the foundation of Christlike living.
Ultimately, we fixed our eyes on Jesus, the one who humbled Himself, became a servant, and gave His life for us. He is the image of the invisible God, the source of our redemption, forgiveness, and purpose. Nothing can separate us from His love. He invites us, in our weariness and burdens, to come to Him and find rest. In every season, in every struggle, our one purpose is to know Him, to be transformed by Him, and to reflect His love to the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Presence of God Transforms Every Season
No matter what stage of life you are in—whether you are a mother, longing to be one, or carrying pain—what you need most is an outpouring of God’s presence. His presence brings strength, hope, healing, and restoration, and it is the greatest gift we can receive or pray for others to receive. When we invite His presence into our lives, it awakens and transforms us from the inside out. [05:58]
- True Purpose Is Found in Union with Christ, Not in What We Do
Our identity and purpose are not rooted in our roles, achievements, or circumstances, but in our relationship with Jesus. When we live in oneness with Him, every aspect of our lives—work, family, even our pain—finds meaning and direction. This union with Christ is the foundation for living with a clear “why” in all we do. [12:21]
- Unity with Others Is the Fruit of Oneness with God
Paul’s call to be of one mind, one love, and one spirit is not optional for followers of Jesus. Our unity with each other is both the evidence and the outworking of our unity with Christ. Humility, compassion, and valuing others above ourselves are not just ideals—they are the practical expressions of Christ’s love in community. [17:19]
- Character Outlasts Talent: The Power of “Takes No Talent”
While God gives us talents and abilities, it is our character—being reliable, available, and teachable—that truly builds up the body of Christ and sustains us through every season. The “tiny, noticeable things” that require no talent—faithfulness, gratitude, kindness—are the marks of a Christlike life. These are the things that make a lasting impact for generations. [25:05]
- Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Anchors Us in Love and Rest
Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the source of our redemption, and the one who holds all things together. When we fix our eyes on Him, we are reminded that nothing can separate us from His love. In our weariness and burdens, He invites us to come to Him and find true rest, wholeness, and healing. This is the heart of our one purpose: to know Him and be transformed by His love. [46:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to “One Purpose” and One Prayer
[02:30] - Praying for Mothers and Grandmothers
[05:58] - Praying for Women Desiring Motherhood
[08:38] - Praying for Those Experiencing Pain on Mother’s Day
[12:21] - Our Purpose in Christ: Philippians 3
[16:35] - The Call to Unity and Love in Philippians 2
[17:19] - Living Out Oneness with God and Each Other
[20:00] - Humility and Valuing Others Above Ourselves
[25:05] - The Importance of Character: “Takes No Talent”
[27:41] - The Mindset of Christ: Looking at Jesus
[30:19] - Who Is Jesus? Colossians 1 Reflection
[35:37] - The Gift of Salvation in Christ Alone
[40:52] - Nothing Can Separate Us from Christ’s Love
[43:29] - Worship and the Power of Jesus’ Name
[46:21] - Jesus’ Invitation: Come to Me and Find Rest
[48:55] - Responding in Surrender and Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “One Purpose – Rooted in Christ, Living in Unity”
---
### Bible Reading
Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 1:13-22
(see [30:19] in transcript for full reading)
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ([46:21])
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 2:1-4, what are the signs that someone is living in unity with Christ and with others? What specific attitudes or actions does Paul mention?
2. In the sermon, what were the three groups of people specifically prayed for on Mother’s Day, and what was the heart of those prayers? ([05:58])
3. What does Paul say about Jesus’ attitude and actions in Philippians 2:5-8? How does Jesus model humility and servanthood?
4. What are some examples from the sermon of “tiny, noticeable things” or “things that take no talent” that build up community? ([25:05])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul connect encouragement from Christ, comfort from his love, and sharing in the Spirit with the call to unity and humility among believers? How does one flow into the other? ([16:35])
2. The sermon says, “True oneness with God is inseparable from oneness with His people.” Why do you think unity with others is such a big deal in the Christian life? ([17:19])
3. The pastor emphasized that our purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we are in Jesus. How does rooting our identity in Christ change the way we approach our daily roles and struggles? ([12:21])
4. The sermon highlighted that character—being reliable, available, and teachable—outlasts talent. Why do you think these “takes no talent” qualities are so important for a healthy church and family? ([25:05])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon began with prayers for mothers, women longing to be mothers, and those carrying pain on Mother’s Day. Is there a group or person in your life who needs you to pray for an outpouring of God’s presence this week? How can you do that practically? ([05:58])
2. When you think about your own life, do you tend to find your purpose in what you do or in who you are in Christ? What would it look like to shift your focus to union with Jesus in your current season? ([12:21])
3. Paul calls us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility value others above yourselves.” Can you think of a recent situation where you struggled with pride or self-interest? What would humility have looked like in that moment? ([16:35])
4. The sermon talked about “tiny, noticeable things” that require no talent—like kindness, gratitude, listening, and faithfulness. Which of these do you find most challenging, and what is one small step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([25:05])
5. Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What is one burden or area of weariness you need to bring to Jesus right now? How can the group support you in this? ([46:21])
6. The message said, “Unity with others is the fruit of oneness with God.” Are there any relationships in your life where you need to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, or deeper unity? What is one action you could take this week? ([17:19])
7. The pastor encouraged us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and remember that nothing can separate us from His love. What is one practical way you can remind yourself of Jesus’ love and presence throughout your week? ([40:52])
---
Close in prayer, inviting God’s presence to transform each person and to help the group live out their one purpose in Christ, together.
Devotional
Day 1: Our One Purpose Is Found in Christ Alone
True purpose is not in what we do, but in who we are in Christ; our identity, meaning, and direction flow from being united with Jesus, not from our roles, achievements, or circumstances. When we root our lives in Him, every season—whether joyful or difficult—finds its “why” in following, honoring, and reflecting Jesus. This oneness with Christ gives us a reason for every action, a hope for every day, and a calling that never changes, no matter what life brings. [12:21]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking purpose in what you do, rather than in who you are in Christ? How can you intentionally root your sense of purpose in Jesus today?
Day 2: Oneness with Christ Leads to Oneness with Others
Being united with Jesus means we are called to be united with His people—living in love, humility, and unity with one another, just as Christ loves us. This unity is not just a theological idea but a lived reality, where we share encouragement, comfort, and compassion, practicing oneness as a reflection of God’s heart and a witness to the world. The call is to move beyond intellectual belief and let the love and unity of Christ be seen and experienced by those around us. [16:35]
Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Who is one person in your church or community you find it difficult to be “one” with? What is one step you can take today to move toward unity and love with them?
Day 3: The Mindset of Christ: Humility and Servanthood
Jesus, though fully God, chose humility, servanthood, and obedience—even to the point of death on a cross. We are called to have this same mindset: to lay aside pride, value others above ourselves, and serve with a heart that seeks the good of others before our own recognition. True greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in self-promotion, but in humble, sacrificial love that reflects the very character of Christ. [27:41]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: In what situation today can you choose humility and servanthood over pride or self-interest? What would it look like to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in that moment?
Day 4: Nothing Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ
No matter what we face—pain, loss, fear, or failure—nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. His love is steadfast, unbreakable, and present in every circumstance, offering us security, hope, and the courage to surrender our burdens to Him. When we are convinced of this love, we find strength in the struggle, faith in the fight, and rest for our souls, knowing that Jesus holds us fast. [40:52]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: What is one fear, pain, or burden you are carrying that makes you feel distant from God’s love? How can you bring it honestly to Jesus today, trusting that nothing can separate you from Him?
Day 5: Jesus Invites You: Come to Me and Find Rest
Jesus personally invites all who are weary, burdened, or broken to come to Him and receive rest, wholeness, and restoration. His heart is gentle and humble, and He offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light—not by removing all challenges, but by walking with us, carrying our pain, and giving us true soul rest. No matter your pain point or longing, Jesus says, “Come to me,” and promises to meet you with grace, healing, and peace. [46:21]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: What is the greatest pain point or burden in your soul right now? Will you take a moment today to bring it directly to Jesus, trusting Him to give you rest and healing?
Quotes
I am convinced. I am convinced. I'm gonna act my way into this conviction. I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [00:41:09] (25 seconds)
If you are at one with Jesus, then be one with his people. Okay? He's connected them. You can't say, I'm all in for Jesus and hate his church. You can't say, I'm all in for Jesus and not demonstrate your love for Jesus by loving one another. Jesus said it, John 13, 34. Love one another as I have loved you. This is how people will know you belong to me. [00:16:03] (23 seconds)
But God demonstrates His love for us in this. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Now, sometimes we just think, yeah, well, that kind of just like happened for me. This is happening. Whilst you are still operating often in a rebellious spirit, whilst you are still making dumb decisions, whilst you are still, Christ still died for you. [00:36:21] (27 seconds)
If you are in Christ, fully surrendered to him, he has redeemed you, restored you, forgiven you, justified you. That's salvation. He says as a result, when you were worshiping him today, the throne of heaven looked upon you, was holy, presents you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. The accusation here is this condemnation. There's a shame and a guilt and unworthy that keeps you down. [00:33:43] (38 seconds)
Your ability and talent may get you in the room, but it won't keep you in the room. What keeps you in the room is your character. What keeps you in the room is these things. And I will say this, and this has been proven in every sphere of life, but I'll demonstrate this. I would much rather have somebody who is reliable, available and teachable than just somebody who is amazingly talented. [00:23:56] (24 seconds)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. The word rest means wholeness, restoration. It's connected to the word healing. When you get hurt and you rest the injury, why? To make you lazy? No, so it can heal. So when Jesus says, come to me and stop doing, it's time to being. And I'll give you rest. Allow me to work in you, he says. [00:47:01] (35 seconds)
Pride always separates people. Pride is not a good unifier because you compete. Yeah, but I'm better and I'm better and pride, pride always separates. Humility unites. It's humility that unites and that's where he's saying, but in humility value others above yourself. [00:21:39] (26 seconds)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? I'm like duh, I took my eyes off Jesus. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? I mean as it is written for your sake we face death all day long we are considered a sheep to be slaughtered no in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [00:40:15] (34 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 12, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?