Finding Purpose in Christ: A Journey of Transformation

Summary

Purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we are becoming—and ultimately, in who we belong to. When our purpose is rooted in Jesus, it becomes unshakable, regardless of our circumstances or achievements. The world often tells us to define ourselves by our successes or by what we do, but that is fragile and fleeting. Instead, we are called to anchor our identity and purpose in Christ, who has taken hold of us for a reason far greater than personal accomplishment. This means that our calling is not just about being saved, but about being transformed and sent—living as Christ’s ambassadors in every sphere of life.

Paul’s words in Philippians 3 remind us that even after decades of faithful service, he still pressed on, hungry for more of Jesus. This “holy dissatisfaction” is a mark of spiritual health: never settling, always longing for deeper intimacy and greater transformation. We are challenged to forget what is behind—not erasing our past, but refusing to let it define or limit us. Whether it’s pain, regret, or even past successes, we must learn from it but not live in it. Instead, we strain forward, embracing the discomfort and discipline required to grow, knowing that God’s call is always forward, always deeper.

This journey is not meant to be walked alone. Just as the mighty redwoods stand strong because their roots are interlocked, we are called to live in deep, authentic community. Our faith is both personal and communal; we need one another to stand firm, to call out blind spots, and to encourage each other to press on. The church is not just a gathering, but a living, breathing dwelling where God’s Spirit resides, building us together into something far greater than we could ever be alone.

Ultimately, our citizenship is in heaven, and our mindset must be set on things above. When we aim our lives at Christ, everything else finds its place. We are invited to surrender afresh, to let go of excuses, and to step into the fullness of what God has for us—together, rooted in Him, pressing on toward the goal for which He has called us.

Key Takeaways

- Purpose is Found in a Who, Not a What
True purpose is not anchored in our achievements or roles, but in the person of Jesus Christ. When our identity is rooted in Him, our sense of meaning becomes unshakable, even as circumstances change. This allows us to live with a resilient sense of calling, regardless of what we do or what happens to us. Our purpose is ultimately about who we are becoming in Christ, not just what we accomplish. [07:25]

- Holy Dissatisfaction Fuels Spiritual Growth
Paul’s example shows that a healthy follower of Jesus is never content with the status quo. There is always a longing for more of Christ, a “holy dissatisfaction” that keeps us pressing forward. This hunger is not about striving for perfection, but about a deep desire to know Jesus more intimately and to be continually transformed by Him. Settling for less leads to spiritual stagnation, but holy discontent propels us into deeper faith. [08:19]

- Letting Go of the Past is Essential for Embracing the Future
Forgetting what is behind does not mean denying or erasing our past, but refusing to let it dictate our future. Both pain and success can hold us back if we dwell on them. Instead, we are called to learn from the past, lay it down, and strain forward into the new things God has for us. This often requires intentionality, support, and sometimes the courage to seek help in order to truly move forward. [19:59]

- Discipline and Community are Non-Negotiable for Spiritual Endurance
Growth in Christ requires both personal discipline and the support of others. Like the redwoods whose roots interlock for strength, we are designed to thrive in community, not isolation. Discipline helps us press on when we want to quit, but it is the encouragement and accountability of others that sustains us through life’s storms. Our faith is both personal and communal, and we need both to stand firm. [38:56]

- Our Mindset and Citizenship Shape Our Lives
Where we set our minds determines the direction of our lives. If our focus is on earthly things, our purpose becomes fragile and temporary. But when we remember that our citizenship is in heaven, we live with eternal perspective and hope. This heavenly mindset transforms how we see ourselves, our struggles, and our mission, empowering us to live as God’s people in the world. [33:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: Purpose in a Who, Not a What
[04:30] - The One Prayer and Its Emphasis
[07:25] - Paul’s Example: Pressing On for More
[09:15] - Belief and Action: Intertwined Lives
[12:13] - What Matters Most: Focus and Zeal
[13:10] - The Power of the Mind and Overcoming Excuses
[15:14] - Saved and Called: Living as Ambassadors
[17:06] - Discipline, Struggle, and Endurance
[19:59] - Forgetting What is Behind, Straining Toward What is Ahead
[24:44] - Celebrate Recovery and Community Support
[26:56] - The Power of Team and Spiritual Models
[33:04] - Our Citizenship in Heaven
[35:30] - Stand Firm Together: Personal and Communal Faith
[38:56] - The Redwood Illustration: Interlocking Roots
[44:19] - Surrender and Worship Response

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Purpose in a Who, Not a What”

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### Bible Reading

Philippians 3:12–4:1
> Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
> All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
> Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
> But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
> Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in Philippians 3:12–14, what is his attitude toward his own spiritual journey? What does he say he is doing with his past and his future?
2. What does Paul mean when he says, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”?
3. In the sermon, what illustration is used to describe the importance of community, and what does it teach us about how we are meant to live as believers? [[38:56]]
4. How does Paul describe the difference between those whose “mind is set on earthly things” and those whose “citizenship is in heaven”?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul, after so many years of serving Jesus, still says he hasn’t “arrived” and is still pressing on? What does this reveal about spiritual growth? [[07:25]]
2. The sermon talks about “holy dissatisfaction.” How is this different from being discontent or ungrateful? Why is it important for our faith? [[08:19]]
3. What does it look like to “forget what is behind” without denying or erasing the past? How can both pain and success from the past hold us back? [[19:59]]
4. The redwood tree illustration shows that strength comes from interlocking roots. How does this relate to the way Christians are called to live in community? [[38:56]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we are becoming—and ultimately, in who we belong to.” Is there an area of your life where you’ve been defining your purpose by your achievements or roles instead of your identity in Christ? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[07:25]]
2. Paul talks about “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Is there something from your past—either pain, regret, or even success—that you sense is holding you back from what God has for you? What step could you take this week to begin letting go? [[19:59]]
3. The sermon challenges us to embrace “holy dissatisfaction”—never settling, always longing for more of Jesus. Where have you become spiritually comfortable or settled? What is one way you could pursue deeper intimacy with Jesus this month? [[08:19]]
4. The redwood tree’s strength comes from its roots being interlocked with others. Who are the people in your life that you are “interlocked” with spiritually? Is there someone you need to invite into your journey, or a step you could take to build deeper community? [[38:56]]
5. The message says, “Discipline helps us press on when we want to quit, but it is the encouragement and accountability of others that sustains us.” Is there a spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible reading, serving, etc.) where you need more consistency? How could you invite someone to encourage or hold you accountable? [[17:06]]
6. Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven.” What are some ways you find yourself setting your mind on earthly things? How can you intentionally set your mind on things above this week? [[33:04]]
7. The pastor shared that sometimes we need others to help us see where we’re stuck in the past or making excuses. Is there someone you trust who can lovingly call out your blind spots? How can you make space for that kind of relationship? [[38:22]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help each person anchor their purpose in Christ, let go of the past, and press on together toward all that God has for them.

Devotional

Day 1: Pressing On Toward the Goal in Christ
Paul reminds us that our purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we are becoming in Christ Jesus. Even after decades of ministry, he confesses he has not yet arrived, but continues to press on, fueled by a holy dissatisfaction and a desire for more of Jesus. This pursuit is not about achieving earthly success, but about taking hold of the life for which Christ took hold of us. Our journey is marked by a continual longing for deeper relationship with Jesus, and a willingness to keep moving forward, no matter how much we have already accomplished. [08:19]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, 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 sense God calling you to press on for more of Him, rather than settling for where you are right now?


Day 2: Letting Go of the Past to Embrace God’s Future
Forgetting what is behind does not mean erasing our memories or living in denial, but choosing not to let the past—whether pain, disappointment, or even success—hold us back from stepping into the fullness God has for us. The past is a place to learn from, not to live in. Sometimes, letting go is hard and requires help, but straining toward what is ahead means intentionally releasing what hinders us and allowing God to use even our past as fuel for the future He has prepared. [19:59]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, 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: Is there a specific memory, regret, or past success that you need to release to God today so you can fully embrace what He has for your future?


Day 3: The Power of Community and Interconnected Faith
We were never meant to follow Jesus alone; our faith is both personal and communal. Just as the giant redwoods stand strong because their roots are interlocked, we are called to be deeply connected with one another, supporting and strengthening each other through every season. True spiritual growth and resilience come from belonging to the body of Christ, where we are built together as a dwelling for God’s Spirit, and where we can both give and receive encouragement, accountability, and love. [28:42]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you are intentionally interlocking your faith with, and how can you take a step to deepen those connections this week?


Day 4: Living with a Mindset Set on Heaven
Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to set our minds not on earthly things, but on the eternal reality of who we are in Christ. When our purpose is rooted in Him, everything we do on earth gains meaning and significance. A heavenly mindset shapes our priorities, our resilience in trials, and our hope for the future, reminding us that we are being transformed and called upward by God’s power. [31:55]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Reflection: In what practical way can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to your heavenly citizenship today?


Day 5: Purpose Is Found in Who You Are Becoming
Purpose is not about what you achieve, but about who you are becoming in Christ and how you are being transformed by His grace. Your identity is secure in Him, and He is faithful to complete the work He began in you. As you stand firm in the Lord, remember that your purpose is both personal and communal—rooted in your relationship with Jesus and lived out in the context of His people. Surrender afresh to Him, and let your life tell the story of His glory. [35:30]

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally live out your identity as a new creation and ambassador for Christ in your relationships or community today?

Quotes

Once we know our purpose is in a who, our purpose is in King Jesus, that is our purpose. Our purpose is in him. He created us, that is our purpose for living. We've been singing it this morning: may all of my days tell a story for the glory of your name. So my purpose is in a who because my purpose is in a who he has authority to tell me the why that I do what I do. [00:01:33] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

Paul still has a holy dissatisfaction. He's got a holy discontent. There is still a fire in his belly that just says, oh, there's more of Jesus. I would even say a definition of a healthy person following Jesus is you always want more of him. In any relationship, a healthy relationship is you want more of that person, more with that person. [00:08:00] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip

The mind's stronger than the body. Are you aware of that? The mind will tell you to quit before your body actually needs to quit. Fact. Okay, so in the emotional, relational world of things, we want to quit before actually it's needed to quit. The physical body, we want to quit. I can't go any further. I can't go any quicker. I can't go any longer. The mind's saying that, but the body can. The body can, but the mind's stronger than the body. [00:13:01] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

You were not saved just to be rescued by God so you could have a good, happy afterlife. The scriptures say that you were saved and called. You're being transformed now for a reason. Even the whole text of that, in Christ I'm a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come. It's in the same context. We are Christ's ambassadors. Well, you're not an ambassador if everybody's all the same. That's not just talking about heaven, afterlife. It's a here and now. Saved and called. [00:15:34] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip

He who called you to it will equip you for it. He who's done something in you will see it to completion. Don't put down what the Lord can do through you. It's part of a team. [00:26:51] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

The Western mindset has been sometimes a bit too skewed on faith. I'll give an example. Yes, this is about walking with Jesus and having a personal walking relationship with him. Yes, but read your Bible. It was never about just you and him. It was always about a we and him. It was always about belonging to his family, his body. The unity factor is critical. We cannot do it on our own. [00:27:54] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip