Flip the Script: Embracing God's Intimacy and Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: God Is Intimately Close and Knows You Deeply

God is not distant or far off; He is intimately involved in every detail of your life, having formed you with care and purpose. Just as a loving parent knows their child, God knows you—your thoughts, your movements, your unique fingerprints. He crafted you intentionally, not as a product of chance or automation, but as a one-of-a-kind creation, deeply loved and known. When you recognize that God took such care in making you, it changes your perspective from seeing Him as distant to experiencing Him as near and personal. Open your heart today to the possibility that God is closer than you’ve ever dared to believe. [39:11]

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to live today as if God is truly near and intimately aware of every detail of your life?

Day 2: True Greatness Is Found in Self-Sacrifice

The world tells us to put ourselves first, but Jesus flips the script and teaches that true greatness comes from serving others and laying down our lives. He didn’t rebuke His disciples for wanting to be great; instead, He showed them a different path—the path of servanthood and self-sacrifice. This is not the wide, easy road of self-centeredness, but the narrow, fulfilling way of loving others above ourselves. Jesus Himself modeled this by coming not to be served, but to serve and give His life for many. [46:03]

Mark 10:42-45 (The Message)
Jesus got them together to settle things down. “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,” he said, “and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally serve today, putting their needs above your own in a practical way?

Day 3: God Looks at the Heart, Not the Outward Appearance

While our culture is obsessed with appearances and exteriors, God values what is on the inside—our hearts, our character, and our spirit. The Lord does not judge by outward appearance, but sees the true weight and beauty of who we are within. As a community, we are called to see others as God sees them, welcoming and loving beyond surface differences, and building a family that values the heart above all else. [52:23]

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Reflection: Is there someone you tend to judge by outward appearance? How can you intentionally look for and affirm the good in their heart today?

Day 4: God’s Presence Sustains Us Through Pain and Trouble

Faith is not a ticket to an easy life; Jesus promised that in this world we will have trouble. Yet, He also promised His overcoming presence, which lifts us, heals us, and gives us hope even in the midst of pain. The way to healing is not to ignore or hide our struggles, but to invite God and others into them, trusting that His goodness will either lift the weight or help us carry it. You are not meant to walk alone—God’s presence and the support of His people are gifts for your journey. [56:51]

John 16:33 (ESV)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Reflection: What is one burden or pain you are carrying right now, and how can you invite God’s presence—or the support of others—into that place today?

Day 5: In Christ, You Are Made New and Reconciled to God

No matter your past or how far you feel from God, Jesus came to reconcile you to Himself and make you a new creation. The world says freedom is found in doing life your own way, but true freedom and restoration come from surrendering to Christ, who brings you home to the family of God. You are not meant to do life alone or in your own strength; through Jesus, you are fully forgiven, deeply loved, and invited into a real, intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father. [01:00:04]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (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.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of the old and embrace the new identity and relationship God offers you in Christ?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on how God’s truth radically upends the assumptions and patterns that our culture often accepts as normal. Many people walk through life believing God is distant, that fulfillment comes from self-centered living, that outward appearances matter most, or that pain and brokenness are best hidden or handled alone. But God’s Word flips these scripts, inviting us into a deeper, more transformative way of living.

First, God is not far off or indifferent. He is intimately involved in every detail of our lives, having formed us with care and intention. Just as a parent knows their child’s every move, God knows us because He made us. This closeness is not just a theological idea but an invitation to experience God as a loving Father who is near, attentive, and invested in our story.

Second, the path to greatness is not self-promotion but self-sacrifice. While the world tells us to put ourselves first, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in serving others. He modeled this by laying down His life, and He calls us to follow in His footsteps. When we choose to serve, we step into the very heart of God’s purpose for us.

Third, our culture is obsessed with the external—how we look, what we achieve, how we’re perceived. But God looks at the heart. The real weight of who we are is found on the inside, in our character, our spirit, and our relationship with Him. As we grow older, we may see changes on the outside, but God’s desire is that we become stronger and more alive on the inside.

Fourth, everyone carries pain, disappointment, or brokenness. The world may suggest that faith is a ticket to an easier life, but Jesus is clear: “In this world you will have trouble.” Yet, He also promises His presence and victory. We are not meant to carry our burdens alone; God’s presence and the love of His people are meant to lift us up and help us persevere.

Finally, the ultimate script-flip is the invitation to be reconciled to God. We are not meant to be our own saviors or to find freedom in self-reliance. True freedom and new life come from surrendering to Jesus, who brings us home to the Father, heals our wounds, and makes us new. No matter our past or present, we are just one faith-filled prayer away from a restored relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Nearness Is Personal and Intentional God is not a distant force but a loving Creator who formed each of us with care and purpose. Recognizing His nearness transforms our faith from a distant hope to an intimate relationship. When we dare to believe that God is close, we open ourselves to deeper healing and a more vibrant spiritual life. [39:52]
2. True Greatness Is Found in Self-Sacrifice Jesus never rebuked the desire for greatness but redefined the path: greatness is found in serving others, not in self-promotion. The world’s wide path of self-centeredness leads to emptiness, but the narrow path of self-sacrifice leads to fulfillment and purpose. When we lay down our lives for others, we reflect the very heart of Christ. [46:37]
3. The Heart Matters More Than the Exterior While culture pressures us to focus on appearances and achievements, God’s primary concern is the condition of our hearts. Spiritual maturity is measured not by outward success but by inward transformation—becoming more like Jesus in character and love. As a community, we are called to see beyond the surface and value people as God does. [52:23]
4. Pain Is Not a Sign of God’s Absence Everyone carries burdens, and faith does not exempt us from hardship. Yet, Jesus promises His overcoming presence in the midst of trouble. God’s goodness is seen not in the absence of pain but in His willingness to walk with us, lift our burdens, and surround us with His people. [56:51]
5. Reconciliation and New Life Are Always Possible No matter how far we feel from God or how broken our story, Jesus offers reconciliation and new life. We are not meant to save ourselves or find freedom in self-reliance; true hope is found in surrendering to Christ. God’s invitation is always open: come home, be made new, and live in the fullness of relationship with Him. [60:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:09] - Celebrating Worship and Community
[34:42] - Newcomers and the Power of Encounter
[35:18] - God’s Presence and Healing
[36:37] - Service Updates and Vision
[36:55] - Flip the Script: Introduction
[37:08] - Who Are You? Identity and Purpose
[39:11] - God’s Intimate Involvement
[41:34] - Moving from Distant to Close Relationship
[43:16] - The Power of Self-Sacrifice
[46:03] - Jesus Redefines Greatness
[47:28] - Modeling Self-Sacrificial Love
[49:51] - The Value of the Heart Over Appearance
[52:23] - Seeing People as God Sees
[53:56] - Pain, Brokenness, and Community
[56:51] - God’s Presence in Trouble
[59:45] - Reconciliation and New Life in Christ
[62:20] - Responding and Praying for New Life
[64:45] - Celebration and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV) — > For you formed my inward parts;
> you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
> I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
> Wonderful are your works;
> my soul knows it very well.
> My frame was not hidden from you,
> when I was being made in secret,
> intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
> Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
> in your book were written, every one of them,
> the days that were formed for me,
> when as yet there was none of them.

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV) — > And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (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.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 139, what details does David mention about how God created him? What does this reveal about God’s involvement in our lives? ([39:11])
In Mark 10, what does Jesus say is the true path to greatness? How does this differ from what the disciples expected? ([46:03])
The sermon mentions that “God looks at the heart” rather than outward appearance. What example from the sermon or scripture supports this idea? ([52:23])
In 2 Corinthians 5, what does Paul say happens to someone who is “in Christ”? What does it mean to be reconciled to God? ([01:00:04])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says many people assume God is distant, but Psalm 139 paints a different picture. Why do people struggle to believe God is close, and how might this belief affect their relationship with Him? ([41:17])
Jesus redefines greatness as serving others instead of self-promotion. Why do you think this is so hard for people to accept or live out, especially in today’s culture? ([46:37])
The message highlights that everyone carries pain or brokenness, and that faith does not guarantee an easy life. How does Jesus’ promise in John 16:33 (“In this world you will have trouble… but take heart, I have overcome the world”) change the way we view suffering? ([56:51])
The sermon talks about being “made new” and reconciled to God through Christ. What does it look like for someone to experience this newness and reconciliation in practical, everyday life? ([01:00:26])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “flip the script” from believing God is distant to believing He is near. Is there an area of your life where you have felt God is far away? What would it look like to invite Him into that area this week? ([41:17])
Jesus says true greatness is found in serving others. Think of a specific relationship or situation where you tend to put yourself first. What is one practical way you could serve someone else in that context this week? ([46:46])
Our culture values outward appearance and achievement, but God values the heart. Are there ways you have been focusing more on the external than the internal? What is one step you can take to grow your character or relationship with God? ([52:23])
The sermon mentions that everyone carries pain or disappointment, and that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. Is there a burden you have been carrying by yourself? Who could you invite to support or pray with you? ([56:34])
The message says that reconciliation and new life are always possible, no matter our past. Is there an area of your life where you need to experience God’s forgiveness or a fresh start? What would it look like to surrender that to Jesus today? ([01:00:26])
The pastor shared about the importance of community and not walking alone. What is one way you can be more present for someone else in your church or small group this week? ([56:34])
The sermon ends with an invitation to a real relationship with Jesus. If you have already made that decision, how can you help someone else take a step toward Jesus? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from saying “yes” to Him? ([01:03:34])

Sermon Clips

We're talking about flipping the script. And the first commonly accepted view in our world is that God, maybe he's out there and maybe he's far off. But I don't know that I could know God closely. We're flipping the script today. What we see here right now in Psalm 139 is that God is close. David said, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. [00:39:35] (20 seconds) #GodIsClose

God was, God cared for you in that way. As he was making you. could have automated the process. God could have made you on a printing press. God could have made you out of a cookie cutter. But just take a look, a moment, look at your hand for a second. Notice your fingerprints. I believe one of the greatest proofs that God is close, intimately aware of you. It's just the fact that you're one of one. God made you and he took great care in doing it. [00:40:15] (32 seconds) #UniquelyMadeByGod

Jesus didn't rebuke them for wanting to be great. He just told them a different path. He was like, you want to be great? Good. You should. You got one life. You should aspire to really great things. But it's not the path that you think it is. It's not this nice wide path over here where you're the centerpiece of everything and you just kind of build your own cushy little place. The path to actual greatness is this more narrow path over here where you're not the most important bit. In fact, you lay down your life to serve others. God says, that's the path to greatness. Self-sacrifice. [00:46:37] (36 seconds) #ServantLeadershipPath

Jesus, when he taught his disciples to lean not in the direction of self but in the direction of self-sacrifice, he actually pointed to the plan of purposes of love. The plan of purposes of God. The heartbeat of God. In fact, right after he said the path to be great is to be servant, he said this in verse 45. Because even the Son of Man, me, I didn't come to be served but to serve. To give his life as a ransom for many. [00:48:49] (27 seconds) #GodSacrificedForYou

What would it do to your heart to believe that God in heaven did that for you? That he has that heart towards you. That God is far bigger than you've ever allowed yourself to comprehend or imagine. And far more intimately aware of you. And he's given himself for you. That you could know God. [00:49:26] (22 seconds) #FromFarToNear

What makes this story so moving is that you've got the joys of overcoming, and you've also got the real pain of disappointment. And what I've learned as I've pastored and gone on in the years of leading people is that everybody's carrying something. Everybody's carrying a weight around. Everybody's dealing with something. In fact, the sooner we realize that I'm not the only one going through it, the more likely we are to invite others into what we're going through. [00:55:33] (27 seconds) #GodLiftsYourWeight

Let's elevate that to a spiritual principle, to a higher place that reveals something about God. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17 says, If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone. The new is here. There's a restoration, a made brand new. And I love verse 18. It says, All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. In other words, God said, come on home. Come on home to the family. [00:59:45] (30 seconds) #YouNeedASavior

If you're here today and you don't have a real relationship with Jesus, you know the pain of trying to go through life on your own, of trying to make it on your own. Of all these little flip the script moments of maybe trying to put yourself first, of maybe thinking that God is far off. There's another one actually. Our culture says, you are your own God. You just need to find your own truth. Do your own thing. If you stick to your own path. You being you is you being saved and set free. And it sounds good on the surface because we all want to be free. But it's just that you doing you is not a path to freedom. Scripture reveals, come on, you and I need a savior. [01:00:14] (49 seconds) #GodBringsYouClose

God never minimizes the pain that you've been through. The way to hope is not to put the pain in the door. Push it inside. Close the door. Put the lock on it and say, I'm just going to try to forget about that. No, the way to have healing from your past and hope for your future is that you and I need a savior that interrupts the mess and says, I'm here. [01:01:40] (32 seconds)

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