Finding Purpose: Embracing God's Call at Any Age
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to week three of our series, "From Generation to Generation: Cultivating a Multi-Generational Church." Over the past weeks, we've focused on reaching the younger generation and sharing the gospel. Today, we shift our focus to those in their 40s and 50s, a stage of life filled with unique challenges and reflections. As we age, we often grapple with questions about our purpose, especially when we feel we've made mistakes or missed opportunities. However, it's never too late to find and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
We explored the story of Simon, later known as Peter, one of Jesus' original disciples. Simon's journey from a fisherman to a foundational figure in the early church illustrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus. His name, Simon, means "to hear," emphasizing the importance of listening to God's call. Despite his initial discontent and confusion, Simon immediately followed Jesus when called, leaving behind his old life.
Peter's journey was not without struggles. He faced moments of doubt and failure, including denying Jesus three times. Yet, Jesus continued to speak into Peter's life, calling him "the rock" upon which He would build His church. This shows that our past mistakes do not disqualify us from God's purpose. Instead, they can be stepping stones to greater things if we remain open to His guidance.
We also heard from Caleb Reynolds, who shared how the influence of godly people helped him find direction and purpose. This underscores the importance of speaking into the lives of others, especially the younger generation. Our words and actions can have a profound impact, helping others to see their potential and encouraging them to pursue God's plan for their lives.
Finally, we looked at Jesus' final challenge to Peter, emphasizing the need to feed His sheep—both young and old. This call to action is not just for Peter but for all of us. We are to nurture, guide, and support each other in our spiritual journeys, fulfilling our God-given purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Purpose Beyond Age: No matter your age, it's never too late to find and fulfill God's purpose for your life. Reflecting on past mistakes can be daunting, but they don't disqualify you from God's plan. Instead, they can serve as lessons that guide you toward a more purposeful future. [03:39]
2. Immediate Obedience: Simon's immediate response to Jesus' call to follow Him highlights the importance of obedience. When God calls, our willingness to leave behind our old ways and step into the unknown can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of our purpose. [07:29]
3. The Power of Influence: Speaking into the lives of others, especially the younger generation, is crucial. Our words and actions can significantly impact their spiritual journey, helping them to see their potential and encouraging them to pursue God's plan for their lives. [17:14]
4. Redemption and Restoration: Peter's denial of Jesus and subsequent restoration illustrate that our failures do not define us. Jesus' willingness to forgive and restore Peter shows that He can use our lowest moments to build something great. This gives us hope that no matter how many times we've stumbled, God can still use us for His glory. [24:25]
5. Feeding the Sheep: Jesus' final challenge to Peter to "feed my sheep" is a call to all believers. We are to nurture, guide, and support each other in our spiritual journeys. This involves speaking into the lives of others, sharing the gospel, and building the church. Our purpose is intertwined with the well-being of our spiritual community. [35:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Introduction to the Series
[02:17] - Reflections on Aging and Purpose
[03:39] - The Struggle with Purpose
[04:59] - The Story of Simon Peter
[06:09] - Simon's Journey and Transformation
[07:29] - Immediate Obedience to Jesus
[08:50] - Witnessing Jesus' Ministry
[09:58] - Challenges of New Teachings
[10:43] - Personal Reflections on Church
[12:05] - Importance of Speaking into Young Lives
[12:53] - Caleb Reynolds' Testimony
[17:14] - The Power of Influence
[17:52] - Jesus Speaks into Peter's Life
[19:04] - The Rock and the Church
[24:25] - Peter's Denial and Restoration
[29:04] - Jesus' Final Challenge to Peter
[35:01] - Feeding the Sheep
[37:01] - Call to Action
[38:14] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 4:19-20: "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him."
2. Matthew 16:16-18: "Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.'"
3. John 21:15-17: "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Simon Peter's immediate response when Jesus called him to follow? (Matthew 4:19-20)
2. How did Jesus describe Peter's role in the future of the church? (Matthew 16:16-18)
3. What specific instructions did Jesus give to Peter after His resurrection? (John 21:15-17)
4. According to the sermon, what does Simon's name mean, and why is it significant? [04:59]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Simon Peter immediately left his nets to follow Jesus? What might this suggest about his state of mind or heart at that time? (Matthew 4:19-20)
2. How does Jesus' renaming of Simon to Peter ("the rock") reflect on Peter's journey and transformation? (Matthew 16:16-18)
3. In what ways does Jesus' threefold question to Peter ("Do you love me?") serve as a form of restoration and commissioning? (John 21:15-17)
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of speaking into the lives of others, especially the younger generation? [17:14]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt discontent with your life or purpose. How did you respond to that feeling, and what steps did you take to seek God's direction? [03:39]
2. Simon Peter immediately obeyed Jesus' call to follow Him. Is there something in your life that God is calling you to do immediately? What might be holding you back? [07:29]
3. Think of someone who has spoken into your life and helped you find direction and purpose. How can you be that person for someone else, especially someone younger? [17:14]
4. Peter's denial of Jesus and subsequent restoration show that our failures do not define us. How can you use your past mistakes as stepping stones to fulfill God's purpose in your life? [24:25]
5. Jesus' final challenge to Peter was to "feed my sheep." In what ways can you nurture, guide, and support others in their spiritual journeys? [35:01]
6. The sermon emphasized the power of influence. Identify one person in your life who you can positively influence this week. What specific action will you take to speak into their life? [17:14]
7. Reflect on the story of Caleb Reynolds and how godly influence helped him find direction. How can you create opportunities to speak into the lives of those around you, especially the younger generation? [12:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Purpose Beyond Age
Description: No matter your age, it's never too late to find and fulfill God's purpose for your life. Reflecting on past mistakes can be daunting, but they don't disqualify you from God's plan. Instead, they can serve as lessons that guide you toward a more purposeful future. The story of Peter, who despite his many failures, was used mightily by God, serves as a powerful reminder that our past does not define us. God can use our experiences, both good and bad, to shape us into the people He wants us to be. [03:39]
Isaiah 46:4 (ESV): "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."
Reflection: Think about a past mistake that you feel has held you back. How can you reframe this experience as a lesson that God can use for His purpose in your life today?
Day 2: Immediate Obedience
Description: Simon's immediate response to Jesus' call to follow Him highlights the importance of obedience. When God calls, our willingness to leave behind our old ways and step into the unknown can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of our purpose. Simon, later known as Peter, left his life as a fisherman to follow Jesus, which led to his transformation into a foundational figure in the early church. This act of immediate obedience is a powerful example of how stepping out in faith can lead to profound spiritual growth and purpose. [07:29]
Luke 5:11 (ESV): "And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him."
Reflection: Is there something God is calling you to do that you have been hesitant to act on? What steps can you take today to respond in immediate obedience?
Day 3: The Power of Influence
Description: Speaking into the lives of others, especially the younger generation, is crucial. Our words and actions can significantly impact their spiritual journey, helping them to see their potential and encouraging them to pursue God's plan for their lives. Caleb Reynolds' testimony highlighted how the influence of godly people helped him find direction and purpose. This underscores the importance of being intentional in our interactions, as we never know how our encouragement and guidance can shape someone's future. [17:14]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of a young person in your life who could benefit from your encouragement. How can you intentionally speak into their life this week to help them see their potential in Christ?
Day 4: Redemption and Restoration
Description: Peter's denial of Jesus and subsequent restoration illustrate that our failures do not define us. Jesus' willingness to forgive and restore Peter shows that He can use our lowest moments to build something great. This gives us hope that no matter how many times we've stumbled, God can still use us for His glory. Peter's journey from denial to becoming the "rock" upon which Jesus built His church is a testament to the redemptive power of God's grace. [24:25]
Micah 7:8 (ESV): "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt you failed God. How can you seek His forgiveness and allow Him to restore you for His purpose today?
Day 5: Feeding the Sheep
Description: Jesus' final challenge to Peter to "feed my sheep" is a call to all believers. We are to nurture, guide, and support each other in our spiritual journeys. This involves speaking into the lives of others, sharing the gospel, and building the church. Our purpose is intertwined with the well-being of our spiritual community. By feeding His sheep, we fulfill our God-given purpose and contribute to the growth and health of the body of Christ. [35:01]
John 21:17 (ESV): "He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"
Reflection: Who in your spiritual community needs your support and guidance? How can you take a step today to nurture and encourage them in their faith journey?
Quotes
1. "Today is a great day, to have a purpose in your life. Today is a great moment to sit there and start applying what God wants you and desires in your life to go after it. He wants you to do that. So how do I find my purpose? That's the big question. So how do I find mine? If I've been lost, if I've gone so many directions, if I screwed up so many times, how do I go after that thing and find it?" [04:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When Jesus, when James spoke to us last week, we needed to hear, didn't we? We need this long enough to hear God's word speaking to our lives. So we need that. And when I sit there and think about Simon, he can relate to us. If you're a believer, he believes in God. He does. He believes in God. He knows a little bit of God's word, just like all the rest of us. We're trying. We're trying to read his word. We're trying to grow. We're trying to get a little bit more knowledge and wisdom. But we're on that journey." [05:39] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What would you say? Would you say it's better for you to speak into your child than TikTok? We kind of smile and kind of got a little smirk because it's kind of funny because we know the power of TikTok. Here's the sad thing. TikTok's winning. TikTok is kicking our tail right now. That is why we have such a responsibility for us, for you, to speak into our kids, to speak into our students, to speak into that generation because they need it. They desire it." [12:53] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you had any doubt how important your words are, I hope they're gone. I hope Caleb gave you encouragement of that, as he and how we can speak into lives can definitely influence so much, can help so much, can challenge so much to move us further in life. Gosh. And I know Caleb's younger, but guys, even in that sense, if you're in your walk with the Lord you're just a little bit further down the road than somebody else is with their walk, I don't care what their age is, you can speak into their lives." [17:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want you to understand, you and I can have that same influence of speaking into others of what could be. They might not even see it in themselves yet, but you can see it in And you can start speaking that into them now, encouraging them and moving them along on their journey. That's our responsibility to do. Not to be quiet about it, but to share that and challenge that. Man, there's so much power when we do that." [19:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you think you've blown it so many times, if you're sitting there 50 years old going, Do I even have a chance? Daggone, look at Peter. Jesus' greatest hour of need. And Peter denied him not once, not twice, but three times. And what did Jesus do? Beat him down? Ruin him? I'm done with him? He used him to build his church. What can he do with you? What can he do in your life? Where you're at today? How can he move you forward and challenge you to speak into that?" [24:25] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Today, he's calling you to have a purpose. He's calling you to a direction to do, to apply this into your life. And guys, man, I don't know your past. I don't know all the directions you've been pulled in. They're out. You're out. You're out of your life. But daggone it, I know as a believer, you have a purpose. Who in the world are you speaking into? Who are you serving? If I sit there and I look at us and I look at my own life of following Jesus for years, and maybe you've been following Jesus for years, especially if you're close to my age." [35:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Do you truly love me more than these? Yes, Lord, he said. You know that I love you. Jesus said, free, feed my lambs. What are lambs? They're young sheep. What do sheep represent to Jesus? His followers. Feed the young. Speak into those lives. Speak into the kids. Speak into our students. Speak to those young in their faith. Speak into the young. That is your purpose." [33:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus clearly laid that out for him to give him his purpose. And remember, Peter denied Jesus three times that day. I think there was a reason why Jesus asked him that question three times that day. See, it's because it's so easy for us to say, man, I love Jesus. I give you my life. Oh, I do. Jesus, I give you my life. Peter said the same thing, but he denied him. He did nothing with it. Jesus is trying to say that I'm giving you some action to do with your life. I want you to apply these things into your life. Don't give me shallow words. Give me your life." [35:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Being a Christian doesn't mean you have it all figured out. It means you don't. That you're not perfect. You made mistakes. And Jesus comes to restore those mistakes when that veil tore. We get that direct connection with God. Today, I sit there and if you don't know him, just call out to him, Lord. I don't have a problem. I don't have all the answers. I don't have it all figured out. I've made mistakes. The Bible calls it sin. And today, I want to go change from the direction my life is going in. I want to go in your direction. I want to go with your purpose and your plan." [38:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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