Flowing Grace: Living as Vessels of God's Purpose

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves pondering the purpose behind God's blessings and callings in our lives. Today, we explored the profound truth that God's blessings are not solely for our personal benefit but are intended to reach others through us. This principle is evident in the calling of the Apostles, where Jesus appointed them not just to be with Him but to be sent out to preach and drive out demons. This calling extends to us as well, as we are chosen to be vessels of His grace and instruments of His purpose.

The Apostle Paul's experience on the road to Damascus serves as a powerful reminder that our encounters with God are not just for personal reflection but are meant to propel us into action, carrying His name to the world. The gospel, with its inherent power, is like a mighty river that flows from the temple of God, unstoppable and transformative. It begins as a trickle but gains momentum, bringing life and healing wherever it goes. This river, representing the gospel, is self-sustaining and does not rely on human efforts to gain strength.

The gospel's power is further illustrated by the analogy of rain and snow in Isaiah, which accomplishes its purpose before returning to heaven. Similarly, God's word will not return empty but will achieve what He desires. This inherent power of the gospel is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to transform lives.

In John 7, Jesus invites those who thirst to come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water will flow from within them. This invitation is not a one-time event but a continuous call to communion with Christ, resulting in a life that overflows with His Spirit. As believers, we are challenged to examine whether our lives reflect this dynamic, life-giving presence of God.

Ultimately, the gospel is not just a message to be proclaimed but a transformative power to be experienced. It is a call to live in the fullness of God's Spirit, allowing His rivers of grace to flow through us, bringing life and healing to a world in need.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's blessings and callings are not just for personal benefit but are meant to reach others through us. We are chosen to be vessels of His grace and instruments of His purpose, just as the Apostles were called to be with Jesus and then sent out to preach and heal. [19:47]
• 2. The gospel is like a mighty river that flows from the temple of God, unstoppable and transformative. It begins as a trickle but gains momentum, bringing life and healing wherever it goes, illustrating the inherent power of God's word. [28:29]
• 3. Isaiah's analogy of rain and snow emphasizes that God's word will not return empty but will achieve His purpose. This inherent power of the gospel is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to transform lives. [26:58]
• 4. Jesus' invitation in John 7 to come and drink promises that rivers of living water will flow from within those who believe. This continuous call to communion with Christ results in a life that overflows with His Spirit. [37:26]
• 5. The gospel is not just a message to be proclaimed but a transformative power to be experienced. It calls us to live in the fullness of God's Spirit, allowing His rivers of grace to flow through us, bringing life and healing to a world in need. [40:13]
  ** [40:13]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [17:30] - God's Purpose Beyond Us
• [18:27] - The Calling of the Apostles
• [20:22] - Paul's Transformative Encounter
• [24:12] - The Gospel's Inherent Power
• [25:51] - Isaiah's Analogy of Rain and Snow
• [27:48] - Ezekiel's Vision of the River
• [30:13] - The Gospel's Origin and Momentum
• [32:00] - The River's Transformative Power
• [35:16] - The Gospel's Capacity for Victory
• [37:04] - Jesus' Invitation to Drink
• [39:35] - The Transformative Power of the Spirit
• [42:08] - Living as Channels of God's Grace
• [44:25] - The Abundance of God's Provision
• [47:08] - Closing Prayer

1. Mark 3:13-15
2. Acts 9:15-16
3. John 7:37-38

1. In Mark 3:13-15, what were the two main purposes for which Jesus appointed the twelve Apostles? How does this reflect the dual nature of their calling? [18:47]
2. According to Acts 9:15-16, what specific mission was Paul chosen for, and what does this reveal about God's purpose for his life? [20:54]
3. In John 7:37-38, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and believe? How is this promise described in terms of living water? [37:26]
4. How does the sermon describe the gospel's power using the analogy of a river? What characteristics of the river are highlighted to illustrate the gospel's transformative nature? [28:29]

1. How does the calling of the Apostles in Mark 3:13-15 illustrate the idea that God's blessings and callings are meant to reach others through us? What implications does this have for modern believers? [19:47]
2. In Acts 9:15-16, Paul is described as a "chosen instrument" to carry God's name. What does this suggest about the nature of divine calling and the responsibilities it entails? [20:54]
3. Jesus' invitation in John 7:37-38 is described as a continuous call to communion. How does this ongoing relationship with Christ impact a believer's life and actions? [38:17]
4. The sermon uses the analogy of rain and snow from Isaiah to describe the gospel's effectiveness. How does this analogy help us understand the certainty of God's word achieving its purpose? [26:58]

1. Reflect on your own life. In what ways have you experienced God's blessings and callings? How can you ensure that these are not just for personal benefit but also to reach others? [17:30]
2. Consider the analogy of the river used in the sermon. How can you allow the gospel to flow through you like a mighty river, bringing life and healing to those around you? [28:29]
3. Jesus invites us to come and drink from Him continuously. What practical steps can you take to maintain a consistent and deepening relationship with Christ? [38:17]
4. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel. Can you identify areas in your life or community that need transformation? How can you be an agent of change in these areas? [40:13]
5. Reflect on the analogy of rain and snow from Isaiah. How can you trust in the effectiveness of God's word in your life, even when immediate results are not visible? [26:58]
6. The sermon challenges us to live in the fullness of God's Spirit. What specific actions can you take this week to allow God's rivers of grace to flow through you more freely? [40:13]
7. Think about a person in your life who might be spiritually thirsty. How can you invite them to experience the living water that Jesus offers? [37:26]