Living Our Purpose: Everyday Mission as Disciples
Summary
So often, we look for efficiency and shortcuts in life, but when it comes to our calling as followers of Jesus, there is no shortcut—only a daily, Spirit-empowered journey of purpose. Each of us is born into this moment in history for a reason. God has placed us here, not to be passive observers, but to be people on mission, moved by the perfect love of Christ. Our identity is not static; we are called to “go”—to live as those who are always moving forward, carrying the light of Christ into every sphere of our lives.
Jesus’ Great Commission is not just a task, but a way of being. He calls us to make disciples as we go about our everyday lives, not as a separate event, but as the very fabric of who we are. Our marriages, our finances, our singleness, our parenting, our work—every aspect of our lives is an opportunity to reflect the light of Christ. We are not called to be distracting strobe lights, sending mixed signals to a lost world, but to be steady spotlights, pointing others to the love and glory of God.
This means reframing our understanding of mission. It’s not just something that happens “over there” in far-off places; it’s right here, in our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our schools. We are suburban missionaries, sent into the everyday spaces of our lives to love, serve, and invite others into the story of Jesus. Every day is a mission trip, and every interaction is an opportunity to embody the gospel.
Making disciples is not about having all the right words or projecting an image of perfection. It’s about loving well, being present, asking “How can I help?”, and sharing both our strengths and our failures. The world doesn’t need more Christians who pretend to have it all together; it needs people who are honest about their struggles and who point to the grace and mercy of Jesus. In all of this, we are not alone. Jesus promises to be with us always, empowering us by His Spirit and surrounding us with the community of the church. As we live out our purpose, we find the wholeness and fullness our hearts long for, and we become a beacon of hope to a world in need.
Key Takeaways
- Awakening to Purpose: Each believer is called to wake up from spiritual slumber and recognize the unique purpose God has for them in this moment of history. Our lives are not accidents; we are intentionally placed to reflect God’s glory and participate in His mission. When we embrace this calling, something deep within us comes alive, and we begin to live with renewed meaning and direction. [03:35]
- Identity as Light-Bearers: Our identity in Christ is to be the light of the world, shining steadily in the darkness rather than being a disorienting strobe. This light is not just for our benefit but is meant to guide others toward the Father. Every area of our lives—marriage, finances, singleness, parenting—becomes a platform for God’s light to shine, reframing even the most ordinary moments as opportunities for gospel witness. [14:38]
- Mission is Here and Now: The call to “go” is not reserved for overseas missions or special events; it is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We are suburban missionaries, sent into our own communities to love, serve, and make disciples. This perspective transforms the mundane into the missional, reminding us that every day and every interaction carries eternal significance. [22:12]
- Discipleship Through Presence and Vulnerability: Making disciples is less about having all the answers and more about loving well, being present, and sharing our real stories—including our failures. The world is drawn not to our perfection, but to our honesty about our need for grace and our willingness to walk alongside others in their journey. True discipleship happens when we ask, “How can I help?” and when we teach through both our faith and our struggles. [32:38]
- Empowered by God’s Presence: We are never alone in our mission. Jesus promises to be with us always, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our calling. The local church is our headquarters—a place to be filled, encouraged, and sent back out. As we seek first God’s kingdom and live like Jesus, we discover the fullness and wholeness our souls crave, and we become a beacon of hope to those around us. [34:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Snot Sucker and the Vacuum Cleaner
[03:35] - Wake Up to Your Purpose
[05:30] - The Great Commission: Jesus’ Call to Go
[07:17] - The Authority and Mission of Jesus
[08:48] - “Go” as an Identity, Not Just an Action
[13:12] - You Are the Light of the World
[14:38] - Marriage, Finances, and Life as Gospel Witness
[16:49] - Singleness, Parenting, and Everyday Mission
[19:21] - Strobe Light vs. Spotlight: How We Shine
[22:12] - Suburban Missionaries: Mission Here and Now
[24:00] - Church as Headquarters for Mission
[25:10] - Discipleship: Beyond Words to Presence
[29:29] - Seeing the Needs Around Us
[32:38] - Teaching Through Failure and Grace
[34:07] - The Promise of God’s Presence
[35:28] - Finding Wholeness in Mission
[37:20] - Figuring Out Our Calling Together
[38:50] - Prayer for Help and Comfort
[39:42] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
- Isaiah 49:6 (ESV)
> He says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what three main actions does Jesus command his followers to do as they “go”?
2. According to Matthew 5:14-16, what does Jesus say about the purpose of our light and how it should be displayed?
3. In the sermon, what are some everyday areas of life the pastor mentions as places where we can reflect the light of Christ? ([14:38])
4. What is the difference between being a “strobe light” and a “spotlight” as described in the sermon? ([19:21])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus connect his authority (“all authority in heaven and on earth”) to the command to “go and make disciples”? How might this give us confidence in our mission? (Matthew 28:18-20)
2. The sermon says our identity is not static, but we are called to “go.” What does it mean for “going” to be part of our identity, not just an action? ([08:48])
3. The pastor talks about reframing our understanding of mission as something that happens “here and now,” not just “over there.” How does this change the way we see our daily routines and relationships? ([22:12])
4. Why is vulnerability and honesty about our struggles important in making disciples, according to the sermon? ([32:38])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “wake up” to our purpose and not be passive. Is there an area of your life where you feel spiritually asleep or just going through the motions? What would it look like to “wake up” in that area? ([03:35])
2. Think about your marriage, finances, singleness, parenting, or work. What is one specific way you can intentionally reflect the light of Christ in that area this week? ([14:38])
3. The pastor describes being a “suburban missionary.” What does that look like in your neighborhood, workplace, or school? Can you name one person or situation where you sense God might be sending you? ([22:12])
4. The sermon suggests that making disciples is less about having all the right answers and more about loving well and being present. Who in your life needs you to simply be present and ask, “How can I help?” this week? ([26:55])
5. Are there ways you have been a “strobe light”—sending mixed signals about your faith—rather than a steady “spotlight” pointing to Jesus? What is one step you can take to be more consistent in your witness? ([19:21])
6. The pastor encourages us to share our failures and struggles, not just our strengths. Is there a story from your own life where God’s grace met you in weakness that you could share with someone else? ([32:38])
7. Jesus promises to be with us always. How does remembering his presence with you change the way you approach your daily mission? ([34:07])
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Devotional
Day 1: Awaken to Your Purpose in Christ
Every believer is called to wake up from spiritual slumber and recognize that their life has deep purpose in God’s story. You are not here by accident; God has placed you in this moment of history to be part of His mission, not because He needs you, but because He loves you and knows that living out your true identity brings you alive. When you feel lost or unsure of your worth, remember that Jesus is inviting you to join Him in His work, and that your every day, every moment, matters for His glory. [03:35]
Ephesians 5:14 (ESV):
“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you’ve been “asleep” to God’s purpose? How can you intentionally “wake up” and invite Jesus to use you in that area today?
Day 2: Go—Your Life Is a Mission
Jesus’ command to “go” is not just an event or a moment, but an identity for every follower of Christ. As you go about your daily life—whether getting coffee, working, parenting, or resting—you are sent with a holy purpose to make a difference. Every action, no matter how small, is an opportunity to live out the Great Commission, knowing that you are empowered by the Spirit to do extraordinary things for God’s kingdom. [07:17]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV):
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Reflection:
As you go about your normal routine today, what is one intentional way you can live out your identity as someone sent by Jesus?
Day 3: You Are the Light of the World
God has called you to be a light in every sphere of your life—marriage, singleness, finances, parenting, and beyond. Your life is meant to reflect God’s glory and love, not just for your own happiness, but as a gospel presentation to the world. When you live as a steady, focused light—rather than a distracting strobe—you help others find their way to the Father and display the hope and peace found in Christ. [14:38]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV):
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection:
In what relationship or area of your life do you most need to shine as a steady, Christlike light this week? What practical step can you take to do that?
Day 4: Make Disciples Through Love and Presence
Making disciples is not just about words or big gestures—it’s about loving people well, being present, and seeing the needs around you. Sometimes the most evangelistic thing you can do is say hello, ask someone’s name, or offer help. When you slow down, notice others, and put their needs above your own, you reflect the heart of Jesus and invite others into His love. [26:55]
John 13:34-35 (ESV):
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Reflection:
Who is one person you can intentionally notice, greet, or offer help to today as a way of making disciples through love?
Day 5: God’s Presence and Power Go With You
As you live out your calling, remember that you are never alone—Jesus promises to be with you always, and the Holy Spirit empowers you for every step. Even when you feel weak, uncertain, or overwhelmed, God’s presence is closer than your own heartbeat. When you seek first His kingdom and trust in His nearness, you will find the wholeness, fullness, and purpose your soul longs for, and others will see Jesus through you. [34:07]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Reflection:
Where do you most need to remember that God is with you today? How can you lean into His presence and power as you step into your mission?
Quotes
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