Living Out Our Divine Calling in Christ
Summary
In my sermon, I began by highlighting the vibrant and active nature of Jesus' church, emphasizing the importance of prayer and our role as contributors to His work in our city and across the globe. I shared about praying for Terwilliger Community Church and their leadership, asking for God's presence and anointing in their ministry. I then transitioned to discussing our new sermon series, "The Unveiling," which focuses on discovering our purpose and calling as followers of Jesus. I cited several scriptures that speak to the irrevocable nature of God's calling and gifts, urging the congregation to walk in a manner worthy of this calling.
I delved into the specific kind of life we are called to—a life rooted in God and established in Christ, devoted to His cause and mission. This life stands in contrast to the world's wisdom and standards, exemplifying the upside-down kingdom of God. I encouraged the congregation to consider their calling, referencing 1 Corinthians and the idea that God calls us without regard for our worldly value or merit. This calling is to a life marked by specific qualities, such as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which are all found in Christ Jesus.
I challenged the congregation to be honest about their obedience to God's calling, using the analogy of a GPS system versus a personal guide. I explained that God's calling is more like a guide who shows us how to live out our purpose, rather than a system that simply directs us from point A to point B. I emphasized the importance of accomplishing God's will, which is already revealed to us, rather than constantly seeking to discover it.
I shared stories of new believers and volunteers actively participating in the life of the church, illustrating the impact of living out our calling. I also provided updates on our church's legacy and vision, including financial goals and the progress of renovations to create spaces for ministry and community outreach. I spoke about the importance of stewardship, prayer, service, and giving, as we seek to align our hearts with God's priorities.
In conclusion, I invited the congregation to reflect on their personal obedience to God's calling, to consider how they can pray, serve, and give in alignment with the mission of Jesus, and to prepare for the continuation of our series on purpose and calling with guest speakers Pastor Shane and Rachel Johnston.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our calling as followers of Jesus is not about our worldly value or merit; it's about being chosen by God to live a life that contrasts the wisdom and standards of this world. We are called to be different, to embody the upside-down kingdom of God, and to live a life rooted in and established by Christ Jesus. [52:15]
2. The life we are called to is marked by specific qualities such as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which are all found in Christ Jesus. These qualities are not just theological concepts but are meant to be lived out daily, shaping our thinking, actions, and attitudes as we walk in the fullness of our identity in Christ. [54:01]
3. Obedience to God's calling is about accomplishing His will, which is already revealed to us in Scripture. We must be honest with ourselves about whether we are faithfully executing the last thing God asked us to do, rather than constantly seeking new revelations or callings. [40:22]
4. Our calling is more like a personal guide than a digital GPS system. It's about being led by Jesus in a personal relationship, learning from Him, and being shaped by His teachings and example. This approach to calling and purpose is holistic and rooted in discipleship. [43:54]
5. As a church, we are called to be a family on mission, looking beyond our own needs to sacrificially give towards what matters most to the heart of God. This involves practical stewardship of our resources, serving the community, and making room for others to find life in Jesus. [01:30:26]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31: "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"
2. Luke 16:10: "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
3. Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, what kind of people does God choose to fulfill His purposes? How does this contrast with worldly standards?
2. In Luke 16:10, what does Jesus say about faithfulness in small things? How does this principle apply to our daily lives?
3. What invitation does Jesus extend in Matthew 11:28-30, and what promises does He make to those who accept it?
4. The sermon mentioned that our calling is more like a personal guide than a digital GPS system. How does this analogy help us understand our relationship with Jesus? [43:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that God chooses the "foolish" and "weak" things of the world in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31? How does this shape our understanding of God's values versus worldly values?
2. How can the principle of being faithful in little things (Luke 16:10) influence our approach to God's calling in our lives? What are some "little things" we might overlook?
3. What does it mean to take Jesus' yoke upon us as described in Matthew 11:28-30? How does this relate to finding rest in Him?
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of accomplishing God's will rather than constantly seeking new revelations. How does this perspective change our approach to daily obedience? [40:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What is the last thing God asked you to do? Are you doing it well and with consistency? How can you improve in this area? [37:41]
2. How can you embody the qualities of righteousness, sanctification, and redemption in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to live out these qualities more fully? [54:01]
3. Consider the analogy of God's calling being like a personal guide. How can you cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus to better understand and follow His guidance? [43:54]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of stewardship, prayer, service, and giving. Identify one area where you feel called to improve. What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions with God's priorities? [01:30:26]
5. How can you actively participate in the mission of Jesus in your community? Think of one specific way you can serve or give to support your church's vision and outreach efforts. [01:09:41]
6. Reflect on the idea that delayed obedience is still disobedience. Are there any areas in your life where you have been delaying obedience to God's commands? What steps can you take to address this? [36:43]
7. How can you share your testimony and the message of Christ crucified with those around you? Identify one person you can talk to this week about your faith and plan how you will approach the conversation. [01:02:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Chosen for a Contrasting Life
God has handpicked each believer to live a life that defies the norms and wisdom of this world. This calling is not based on personal merit or societal status but on His divine choice. As followers of Jesus, individuals are called to embody the upside-down kingdom of God, which often runs counter to the expectations and values of the surrounding culture. This life is deeply rooted in and established by Christ Jesus, and it is characterized by a distinctiveness that sets believers apart. It is a life that seeks to reflect the character and teachings of Jesus, challenging the status quo and living out the radical love and grace that He exemplified.
"Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It's true; we are His beloved children. And in the same way the world didn't recognize Him, the world does not recognize us either." (1 John 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: How does your current lifestyle reflect the distinctive, upside-down kingdom of God in contrast to the world's standards? [52:15]
Day 2: Living Out Our Righteous Identity
The qualities of righteousness, sanctification, and redemption are not merely theological terms but are the hallmarks of a life transformed by Christ. These attributes are to be actively lived out, influencing every thought, decision, and action. Righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from Jesus, calling believers to a higher standard of living that aligns with God's holy nature. Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, and redemption is the work of Jesus that sets believers free from sin. Together, these qualities shape a believer's identity and daily walk with the Lord.
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and exhibit the qualities of righteousness, sanctification, and redemption in your daily life? [54:01]
Day 3: Obedience to Revealed Will
Obedience to God's calling is not a pursuit of new revelations but a commitment to act on what has already been made clear through Scripture. It involves a sincere self-assessment of whether one is faithfully executing God's known will. This obedience is not about seeking a sign for every decision but about living out the commands and principles that have been given. It is a call to faithfulness in the small things, trusting that God's guidance is sufficient for each step taken in His service.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." (James 1:22-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is the last thing God asked you to do that you have been delaying or ignoring, and how can you take a step towards obedience today? [40:22]
Day 4: Guided by Personal Relationship
The calling of God is not a one-time event or a set of directions to follow blindly; it is an ongoing, personal relationship with Jesus as the guide. This relationship is about learning from Him, being shaped by His teachings, and following His example. It is a holistic approach to discipleship that encompasses every aspect of life. The guidance received is not merely informational but transformational, leading to a deeper understanding of purpose and a more intimate walk with the Lord.
"And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a closer personal relationship with Jesus to better understand and live out your calling? [43:54]
Day 5: Family on Mission Together
The church is called to be a family on mission, extending beyond personal needs to embrace sacrificial giving and service that aligns with God's heart. This involves stewardship of resources, serving the community, and creating spaces for others to encounter Jesus. It is a collective effort to support the mission of the church, both locally and globally, through prayer, service, and financial giving. The focus is on what matters most to God, which often requires setting aside personal preferences for the sake of the greater good.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can contribute to the mission of the church this week through stewardship, service, or giving? [01:30:26]
Quotes
"At some point we have to choose to be obedient to the last thing that God asked us to do. Fold the towels. Yeah, but that's like that's elementary. I want the deep things of God. I want to go into the deep water. The Great Commission is as deep as it gets, people. Seriously. You being obedient to accomplishing the revealed, already written down, already just you being obedient to accomplishing the will of God when it comes to calling and purpose is as deep as it gets." [01:03:27]
"We were created by God to be a people. The people of God who live focused. Not just on ourselves and our own needs, but to be a family on mission with the hope of Christ Jesus. Looking up and around with our lives and with our time and with our gifts and our abilities and our resources to sacrificially give towards what matters most to the heart of God." [01:07:37]
"God's purpose and calling is often compared to like a digital GPS system in our car. Have you ever heard that analogy from a preacher or in a book? You know, God's voice and His direction is like the GPS in your car. The navigation from here to there, wherever here to there is. And again, I feel like this analogy falls short because it's like, where am I going? It's the wrong question." [42:19]
"God's purpose and calling is more like a guide. Let me show you. Let me explain best practice. Let me walk with you. What's your heart posture? When it comes to calling and purpose. Come here, God. Come in close to me. God, tell me where to go and what I'm going to do. Or, Matthew 11, Jesus, come to me. Get away with me. And you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take rest." [43:21]
"Everything we have. Right thinking. Right living. Clean slate. Fresh start. All comes from God. By way of Christ Jesus. This is good news. When it comes to purpose and calling, it's clear. It's written down. The specific life that you've been called into is marked by very specific qualities." [59:09]
"As we seek to be good stewards, we're asking and believing for that $40,000 shortfall, plus about $30,000 extra cost when it comes to flooring and drawings, both $70,000. And, you know, this year, we're just believing over and above what God's already doing in regular rhythms of finances and generosity." [01:32:49]
"Right thinking. Right living. A clean slate. And a fresh start. All of that comes from God by way of Christ Jesus. There's a lot. I could preach a whole message just on how we've been made righteous. Or how we've been sanctified. Or how we've been redeemed. But at the heart of it, the very specific life that you've been called into has very specific qualities that we're meant to walk into." [56:32]
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