Finding Purpose Through Christ's Sacrifice and Nehemiah's Example
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the significance of His broken body and shed blood as a new covenant between God and His people. This act of remembrance is not just a ritual but a declaration of our faith and gratitude for the salvation and forgiveness we receive through His sacrifice. We acknowledged the struggles and devastations that many of us face, whether they be personal or communal, and affirmed that God cares deeply about each of our situations. We prayed for peace and healing, both for those affected by natural disasters and for those experiencing personal turmoil.
We delved into the story of Nehemiah, a second-generation Jewish immigrant in the Persian Empire, who was moved by the plight of Jerusalem. Despite never having visited the city, Nehemiah felt a deep burden for its restoration. His story is a testament to the power of prayer, planning, and purpose. Nehemiah's journey from a cupbearer to a leader who orchestrated the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is a powerful example of how God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes.
The narrative of Nehemiah challenges us to seek our own God-given purpose. It encourages us to ask critical questions: Who do we need to talk to? Why does our mission matter? What resources do we need? And who will help us? These questions guide us in transforming our burdens into actionable plans, just as Nehemiah did.
Ultimately, the greatest example of purpose is found in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection were driven by a divine purpose to redeem humanity. We are invited to follow His example, to surrender our lives to Him, and to seek His guidance in discovering and fulfilling our unique purpose in this world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Remembrance: Remembering Christ's sacrifice is a profound act of faith that anchors us in gratitude and reminds us of the salvation and forgiveness we have received. It is a declaration of our belief in the new covenant established through His blood. [33:51]
2. God Cares About Our Struggles: No matter how small or large our struggles may seem, God cares deeply about each one. He is present in our pain and offers peace and healing, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. [36:34]
3. Purpose Through Prayer and Planning: Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of combining prayer with practical planning. By seeking God's guidance and preparing for His answers, we can effectively pursue the purposes He has placed in our hearts. [52:56]
4. Taking Risks for God's Purpose: Nehemiah's willingness to risk his position and life for the sake of Jerusalem's restoration demonstrates the courage required to pursue God's calling. Sometimes, stepping out in faith involves taking significant risks. [50:04]
5. Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Purpose: Jesus' life exemplifies living with divine purpose. His mission to redeem humanity was fulfilled through His sacrifice, and He invites us to follow Him, surrendering our lives to His greater purpose. [01:18:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:51] - Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
[35:16] - Gratitude for Salvation
[36:34] - God Cares About Our Struggles
[37:37] - Praying for Peace and Healing
[38:09] - Speaking Peace Over Storms
[39:07] - Seeking God's Help
[40:13] - Connect and Engage
[42:28] - Church Center App Introduction
[45:23] - Nehemiah's Burden for Jerusalem
[47:16] - Nehemiah's Prayer and Planning
[50:04] - Nehemiah's Risk and Courage
[51:37] - Finding Favor with the King
[52:56] - Prayerful Planning
[54:45] - Nehemiah's Preparedness
[57:56] - Discovering Your Purpose
[01:18:28] - Jesus' Purpose and Invitation
[01:20:37] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 2:1-8
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Nehemiah's position in the Persian Empire, and how did it influence his ability to act on his burden for Jerusalem? [45:23]
2. How did Nehemiah prepare for his conversation with King Artaxerxes, and what was his initial reaction when the king noticed his sadness? [50:04]
3. What specific requests did Nehemiah make to the king, and how did these requests demonstrate his planning and faith? [57:05]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of remembering Christ's sacrifice during communion? [33:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Nehemiah's story illustrate the relationship between prayer and planning in pursuing a God-given purpose? [52:56]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God cares about our personal struggles, and how does this understanding impact our faith journey? [36:34]
3. How does the example of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection serve as the ultimate model of living with divine purpose? [01:18:28]
4. What risks did Nehemiah take in pursuing his purpose, and how can this inspire us to take risks for God's calling in our lives? [50:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a burden for a particular issue or cause. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to turn that burden into an actionable plan like Nehemiah did? [01:03:05]
2. Consider the struggles you are currently facing. How can you invite God into these situations to experience His peace and healing? [36:34]
3. Nehemiah combined prayer with practical planning. Identify a specific area in your life where you can apply this approach. What steps will you take this week to begin this process? [52:56]
4. Jesus' purpose was to redeem humanity. How can you align your daily actions with the purpose of following Jesus and sharing His love with others? [01:18:28]
5. Nehemiah needed help from others to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Who in your life can you reach out to for support in fulfilling your God-given purpose? [01:09:58]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice. How can you incorporate this act of remembrance into your daily routine to strengthen your faith? [33:51]
7. Identify a risk you feel God is calling you to take in your faith journey. What steps can you take to move forward in faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance? [50:04]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined:
Day 1: Anchored in Gratitude
Description: Remembering Christ's sacrifice is more than a ritual; it is a profound act of faith that anchors believers in gratitude. This remembrance serves as a declaration of belief in the new covenant established through His blood, reminding us of the salvation and forgiveness we have received. By reflecting on His broken body and shed blood, we are called to live in gratitude, acknowledging the immense love and grace that have been extended to us. This act of remembrance is a powerful reminder of the foundation of our faith and the hope we have in Christ. [33:51]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily practice of gratitude for Christ's sacrifice into your routine, and how might this transform your perspective on life's challenges?
Day 2: Divine Compassion in Our Struggles
Description: No matter the size or nature of our struggles, God cares deeply about each one. He is present in our pain, offering peace and healing, and reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. This assurance of divine compassion encourages us to bring our burdens to Him, trusting in His love and care. Whether facing personal turmoil or communal devastation, we are invited to seek His peace and healing, knowing that He is intimately involved in our lives and desires to bring restoration and comfort. [36:34]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Identify a current struggle you are facing. How can you invite God into this situation and trust in His presence and care?
Day 3: Purposeful Prayer and Planning
Description: Nehemiah's story illustrates the importance of combining prayer with practical planning. By seeking God's guidance and preparing for His answers, we can effectively pursue the purposes He has placed in our hearts. Nehemiah's journey from a cupbearer to a leader who orchestrated the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls demonstrates how God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. This narrative challenges us to seek our own God-given purpose, asking critical questions and transforming our burdens into actionable plans. [52:56]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: What is one burden or passion that God has placed on your heart? How can you begin to combine prayer with practical steps to pursue this purpose?
Day 4: Courageous Faith in Action
Description: Nehemiah's willingness to risk his position and life for the sake of Jerusalem's restoration demonstrates the courage required to pursue God's calling. Sometimes, stepping out in faith involves taking significant risks, trusting that God will provide and guide us. Nehemiah's story encourages us to be bold in our faith, willing to take risks for the sake of God's purposes. By stepping out in courage, we can experience the fulfillment of God's plans and witness His faithfulness in our lives. [50:04]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk? How can you step out in faith and trust in His guidance and provision?
Day 5: Following the Ultimate Example of Purpose
Description: Jesus' life exemplifies living with divine purpose. His mission to redeem humanity was fulfilled through His sacrifice, and He invites us to follow Him, surrendering our lives to His greater purpose. By looking to Jesus as the ultimate example of purpose, we are encouraged to seek His guidance in discovering and fulfilling our unique purpose in this world. This invitation to follow Him involves surrendering our own plans and desires, trusting in His perfect will and plan for our lives. [01:18:28]
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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender to Jesus' purpose? How can you begin to align your daily actions with His greater plan for your life?
Quotes
"So today we remember our Lord's sacrifice, we remember his death, we remember his broken body. The apostle goes on, he says, In the same way, Jesus took the cup of wine. After supper, saying this cup is a new covenant between God and his people, in agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it. For every time you eat this bread and you drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again." [00:34:00] (71 seconds)
"But God cares about everything. He cares about your thing. He cares about what you're going through. He cares about your struggle. And maybe you're here this morning and you say, Ken, I am hurting. I'm struggling. Maybe it's a health issue. Maybe it's anxiety and depression. Maybe it's a financial issue. Maybe there's something going on at work. Maybe there's family stuff, relational stuff. You say, Ken, I'm struggling. I need the Lord's touch today. I need his healing. I need his help. I need peace. Right?" [00:36:32] (36 seconds)
"And, Father, I speak to storms that are raging in this room, in people's minds, in their hearts, in their lives, in their families. We speak peace. We speak healing. We speak freedom. We speak release. We speak peace in the name of Jesus. And, Father, we thank you that you're big enough that you care about every situation. And you're powerful enough to touch each situation for your glory. So, we pray for your help. We pray for relief. We pray for light in the darkness." [00:38:33] (49 seconds)
"And he begins to ask some caring questions about Jerusalem, because he really does care about the city. He's never been there, but it's the city of his ancestors, and he cares. And so he begins to hear about the devastation and the destruction that Jerusalem has experienced. And he begins to feel the weight of that. I mean, for some reason, it hits him, and it hits him hard. And he begins to just carry the weight of, somebody's got to do something about this. Like, this is not right." [00:46:37] (31 seconds)
"Nehemiah had found favor with the king to say the least, right? Now, can I just tell you that sometimes we pray like crazy and we take a risk and we land on our face and it doesn't work the way that we are hoping that it will work, that we pray that will work. But God had been orchestrating this story and Nehemiah has now found favor with the king. And so what does he do? Well, we're going to find out here that Nehemiah has not just been weeping and fasting and praying. He has been praying and planning." [00:52:08] (32 seconds)
"God has a purpose for your life. God has a way that he wants to glorify his name through you if you will allow him. You say, Ken, I don't know my purpose. That's all right. Keep asking him. He'll show you. It doesn't happen overnight. Sometimes you're on a journey and it's just saying yes to certain things. And as you go around a curve, you go, oh, there she is. There it is. Right? And you don't have the whole thing unpacked to begin with. You're just saying yes in each moment." [00:58:52] (33 seconds)
"Sometimes it's that thing that you can't stands any longer, right? To quote the words of the great philosopher of the 1950s, that's all I can stands and I can't stands no more. Anybody know who that is? That's a great Popeye the Sailor Man, right? That's all I can stands. I can't stands no more. Maybe you're looking around your middle school, your high school, your college. Maybe you're looking around your workplace. Maybe you're looking around your home or your neighborhood and there's something that's going on or it's not going on and you think that it should be going on or it's going on and it needs to stop being going on." [01:00:56] (37 seconds)
"And God's purposes for your life will always require the help and the assistance and the giftings and the experiences and the generosity of other people, right? So in all of these instances, whether it's Sarah Chris with the grace bags, or it's Bob Chrisman with the nursing home, or Servano and Ruth, like they needed other people to come alongside and help them and, and help in the areas where they have weaknesses. And it's amazing when God gives you a purpose and other people will come alongside and, and help you in that purpose." [01:10:08] (38 seconds)
"When I, when I think about all this, you know, we, we can look at the example of Nehemiah, and Nehemiah is incredible. What an example, right? But an even greater example of all this is, is Jesus. And it's always about Jesus. Some of you are like, every sermon, he's got to bring it back to Jesus. Well, that's why we built this place, and that's why we're here today, is because of Jesus. Did Jesus, anybody, did Jesus have a purpose?" [01:16:08] (33 seconds)
"Can I just tell you, the greatest purpose of your life is following Jesus. And I mean, not just, not just going to church, not just trying to follow the rules, but I mean, getting to a place of surrender, where you say, God, I'm surrendering my life to you. Jesus, I want you to lead my life. I confess that I've sinned against you. Would you forgive me of my sins? And would you give me the power to do the things that you want me to do? And to accomplish the things that you care about here in this world?" [01:19:18] (35 seconds)
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