Finding Purpose Through Service and Spiritual Fulfillment

 

Summary

In my sermon, I began by emphasizing the importance of understanding our purpose in life and how it is intricately linked to serving others. I highlighted that our purpose is not about elevating ourselves but about contributing to the well-being of others. I explained that true happiness comes from fulfilling our purpose and living a life that reflects God's will for us.

I then delved into the concept of predestination, clarifying that while God has a plan for us, we still possess free will to choose our path. I used the analogy of gravity to illustrate that certain things are predetermined, such as the laws of nature, but we still have the choice to act within those parameters.

I continued by discussing the mystery of God's will and how it is revealed to us through Christ. I explained that the mystery is not something to be fully understood but embraced, as some things are known only to God. I reassured the congregation that through Christ, we have been given an inheritance and are predestined to be adopted as sons and daughters of God if we choose to accept Him.

I then addressed the signs of the times, cautioning against being overly concerned with physical signs like eclipses. Instead, I urged the congregation to focus on understanding the spiritual significance of these events and to recognize our role as the church to bring light into the darkness.

I spoke about the importance of recognizing our purpose through the things we naturally do to help others, even without monetary compensation. I emphasized that our purpose is not self-serving but is about serving and helping others, which brings a sense of fulfillment and joy that material possessions cannot provide.

I concluded by reminding everyone that our purpose will always feel bigger than us and that it is meant to outlive us, leaving a legacy that continues to serve others even after we are gone. I encouraged the congregation to reflect on their passions and strengths and to use them to serve others, as this is the true meaning and purpose of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Our purpose in life is deeply connected to serving others, and it is through this service that we find true happiness and fulfillment. This happiness is not dependent on material possessions or achievements but on the satisfaction of completing what God has set before us each day. [27:38 ]

2. Predestination does not negate our free will. Like the law of gravity, certain things are predetermined by God, but we still have the choice to accept or reject His plan for us. Our decision to say "yes" to God allows us to be adopted into His family and fulfill the destiny He has preordained for us. [33:16 ]

3. The mystery of God's will is something to be embraced rather than fully understood. While we may not know everything, what God reveals to us is sufficient for our journey. Through Christ, we have been given an inheritance and the hope of glory, which is Christ in us. [35:12 ]

4. We should not be consumed by physical signs and wonders but should instead focus on our spiritual purpose. As the church, we are called to be the light in the darkness, reflecting the glory of God and fulfilling our role in His divine plan. [17:50 ]

5. Discovering our purpose involves self-reflection on our passions and strengths and how we can use them to serve others. Our purpose will always feel larger than ourselves and is meant to leave a lasting impact that outlives us, creating a legacy of service and love. [25:05 ]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:3-5 (NIV)
> "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."

2. Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
> "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

3. Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV)
> "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:3-5, what has God blessed us with in the heavenly realms? How does this relate to our purpose in life?
2. In Colossians 1:27, what is described as the "mystery" and how is it significant to believers?
3. What does Deuteronomy 29:29 say about the things that are revealed and the things that are hidden? How does this relate to the concept of predestination discussed in the sermon? [33:53 ]
4. What analogy did the pastor use to explain predestination and free will? How does this analogy help clarify the concept? [32:28 ]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-5) influence our daily lives and decisions?
2. What does it mean for Christ to be "in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27)? How does this shape our understanding of our purpose and identity?
3. How can embracing the mystery of God's will, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 29:29, provide comfort and guidance in our spiritual journey? [33:53 ]
4. The sermon mentioned that our purpose is often already alive and working within us. How can we identify and align with this purpose in practical ways? [21:39 ]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily activities. What are some ways you naturally help others without expecting anything in return? How can you see these actions as part of your God-given purpose? [22:27 ]
2. The pastor emphasized that our purpose will always feel bigger than us and is meant to leave a legacy. What are some specific steps you can take to ensure your actions today contribute to a lasting impact? [25:05 ]
3. How can you shift your focus from seeking material possessions or achievements to finding fulfillment in serving others, as discussed in the sermon? [26:21 ]
4. The sermon cautioned against being overly concerned with physical signs and instead focusing on our spiritual purpose. How can you apply this principle in your daily life, especially when faced with uncertainty or fear? [17:50 ]
5. Identify your core values, strengths, and passions. How can you use these to serve others in your community or church? Share a specific example of how you plan to do this in the coming week. [23:41 ]
6. The pastor mentioned that true happiness comes from fulfilling our purpose and living a life that reflects God's will. What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with this understanding of happiness? [27:38 ]
7. Think about a time when you felt a deep sense of fulfillment from helping someone. How can you create more opportunities for such experiences in your life? [24:25 ]

Devotional

Day 1: Serving Others Fulfills Our Purpose
True happiness and fulfillment are found in serving others, aligning our actions with God's intention for our lives. This service is not about grand gestures but the daily acts of kindness and support we provide to those around us. It is in these moments that we experience the joy of living out our purpose, which is not to be measured by material wealth or personal achievements but by the impact we make in the lives of others. Serving is an expression of God's love through us, and it is in giving of ourselves that we receive the greatest reward. By focusing on the needs of others, we step into the fullness of what it means to live a purpose-driven life, one that echoes the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. [27:38]

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." - Proverbs 11:25 ESV

Reflection: How can you serve someone in your community today without expecting anything in return?

Day 2: Embracing Predestination and Free Will
While God's sovereignty extends to the predestination of certain aspects of our lives, our free will remains intact, allowing us to choose our response to His call. Like navigating the force of gravity, we are free to move within the parameters set by God's laws. This dynamic interplay between divine preordination and human choice is at the heart of our spiritual journey. Accepting God's plan for us opens the door to becoming part of His family and stepping into the destiny He has prepared. It is a profound mystery that we are both chosen and free, and in this tension lies the beauty of our relationship with the Creator. [33:16]

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." - Ephesians 1:11 ESV

Reflection: What is one way you can actively choose to align with God's plan for your life today?

Day 3: The Mystery of God's Will
The mystery of God's will is not a puzzle to be solved but a divine tapestry to be appreciated. While we may not comprehend all aspects of God's plan, we can trust that what He reveals to us is sufficient for our journey. Through Christ, we are given an inheritance and the promise of glory, which is Christ in us. This hope is not just for the future but is an active force in our lives today, guiding us and shaping us into the image of Jesus. As we embrace the mystery, we find peace in the knowledge that God's will is good, pleasing, and perfect, even when it is beyond our understanding. [35:12]

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's will, even though you don't fully understand it?

Day 4: Spiritual Purpose Over Physical Signs
In a world fascinated by physical signs and wonders, we are called to discern the spiritual significance behind these events. Our focus should not be on the signs themselves but on the deeper reality they point to. As the church, we are to be a beacon of light in a dark world, reflecting God's glory and fulfilling our role in His divine plan. This requires a shift in perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and impact over temporal fascinations. By doing so, we become agents of change, bringing hope and transformation to those around us. [17:50]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

Reflection: How can you be a source of light in a specific situation of darkness you are aware of in your community?

Day 5: Legacy Through Service
Discovering our purpose is an exploration of how our unique passions and strengths can be used to serve others. This purpose is not self-contained but is designed to extend beyond our lifetime, creating a legacy of service and love. It is in the everyday acts of kindness, the consistent offering of our talents for the benefit of others, that we build a legacy that outlives us. Our purpose feels larger than ourselves because it is connected to the eternal, to the very heart of God's plan for humanity. By living out our purpose, we leave an indelible mark on the world, one that continues to bear fruit long after we are gone. [25:05]

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 ESV

Reflection: What is one way you can use your talents this week to serve someone else and contribute to your legacy of service?

Quotes

1. "I think that the word happiness has something to do with a deeper satisfaction knowing that I completed a purposeful life in this moment... at the end of the day I can look back over my day and say... I completed everything he set before me to complete today." [27:38 ]( | | )

2. "We make it hard, ambiguous, hard to find because we think that somehow my purpose is going to elevate me to something beyond my wildest dreams... what is it that you find yourself doing that is good for others... that's a trick of the enemy... because the purpose is... what comes out of you." [22:27 ]( | | )

3. "Your purpose will never isolate you and be self-serving... your purpose will always be about helping others... your purpose will always feel bigger than you... you live a legacy... making a difference into this world that you're leaving a legacy that will continue." [25:05 ]( | | )

4. "Predestination still gives me my will... the predetermination in Christ is it is predetermined for those who say yes that you will become adopted into me as a son and daughter of Christ... if I say yes it is predestined that I get pulled in to the body of Christ." [33:16 ]( | | )

5. "He made known to us the mystery of his will... sometimes you just have to embrace the mystery in God... whatever he's revealing we get to know... the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory... they're waiting on the Messiah and the Messiah says I'm going to come and I'm gonna walk the earth with you." [35:12 ]( | | )

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Transcript
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