Living Purposefully: Aligning with God's Vision for Our Lives
Summary
In today's Vision Sunday, we gather not just for a sermon, but for a divine appointment to align our hearts with God's purpose for our lives and our church. We are called to live lives that echo into eternity, lives that are not just marked by the passing of days but by the impact we make on the world around us. Jesus Himself said that it is to the Father's glory that we bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be His disciples, and that our joy may be complete (John 15). This is the life we are called to—a life of fruitfulness, generosity, and purpose.
We are reminded that God has crafted each of us uniquely, with talents and abilities meant to serve others and bring our lives into full color and focus. It is not enough to simply exist; we must discover why we were made and use that knowledge to make a difference. This is how we avoid the tragedy of hitting the wrong mark in life, of succeeding at things that ultimately do not matter.
Our church is committed to guiding you through this journey of discovery and purpose. We have a clear vision that consists of four steps: knowing God, finding freedom, discovering purpose, and making a difference. Each step is designed to bring you closer to the life God intends for you—a life that is not just about personal fulfillment but about being part of a larger story, God's story.
We are also called to be irrationally generous, understanding that our generosity is not just about giving but also about serving and investing our time. This generosity is not for our own glory but to refresh others, and in doing so, we ourselves will be refreshed (Proverbs 11). Our church has a plan, and if you trust us and commit to this journey, you will discover the vision God has for your life.
As we look to the future, we are excited about the initiatives our church is undertaking. From expanding our reach to those in correctional facilities and addiction recovery centers to providing essential resources to those in need through City Serve, we are making a tangible difference in our community. Our global efforts continue as we build churches, medical clinics, and schools in Kenya, creating a Triangle of Hope that addresses spiritual, educational, and health needs.
We are also investing in the next generation, with plans to launch Access College, providing accredited education that prepares future leaders for ministry. And as our church grows, we envision multiple locations that will extend our reach and impact even further.
In summary, we are called to live lives of purpose, to be generous, and to make a difference that ripples into eternity. Our church is here to support you in this journey, providing the vision and the steps necessary to live out the life God has designed for you.
Key Takeaways:
- God has intricately woven each of us with a unique purpose, and when we align our lives with His design, we experience the fullness of life He intends for us. This alignment is not a passive process but requires active engagement and commitment to discovering and living out our God-given purpose. [15:19]
- True generosity goes beyond financial giving; it encompasses the giving of time, service, and love. Our church embodies this spirit of generosity, understanding that it is through giving that we receive, and through serving others that we find our own lives enriched and our joy made complete. [17:21]
- Vision is essential for a purposeful life. Without a clear vision from God, we risk wandering aimlessly or succeeding in endeavors that hold no eternal significance. As a church, we are dedicated to helping each individual discover the vision God has for them, ensuring that their lives make a lasting impact. [07:55]
- Our church's vision is not just for individual growth but for collective action. By coming together as a community of believers, we can achieve far more than we could alone. Our initiatives, both local and global, are a testament to what can be accomplished when we unite under a shared vision to make a difference in the world. [19:27]
- The next generation holds the key to the future of the church and the world. By investing in their education and spiritual formation, we are not only shaping future leaders but also ensuring that the legacy of faith and service continues to thrive and expand beyond our current reach. [25:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:8, 11 (NIV): "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
2. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV): "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
3. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV): "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:8, what is the result of bearing much fruit? How does this relate to being a disciple of Jesus? [16:14]
2. What does Proverbs 29:18 suggest happens to people without a vision? How does this align with the sermon’s message about having a clear vision for life? [02:59]
3. In Proverbs 11:25, what is promised to those who are generous and refresh others? How does this principle apply to the church’s vision of generosity? [17:21]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does bearing fruit in John 15:8 bring glory to the Father, and what might this look like in a believer’s daily life? [16:14]
2. Proverbs 29:18 speaks about the importance of vision. How can a lack of vision lead to a life that feels aimless or unfulfilled? [02:59]
3. Reflecting on Proverbs 11:25, in what ways can generosity lead to personal refreshment and fulfillment? How does this align with the church’s call to be irrationally generous? [17:21]
### Application Questions
1. Personal Vision: Do you feel like you have a clear vision for your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek God’s vision for you? [02:59]
2. Fruitfulness: What are some practical ways you can bear fruit in your daily life that glorifies God and shows you are His disciple? [16:14]
3. Generosity: How can you practice irrational generosity in your community this week? Think of specific actions you can take to serve and invest your time in others. [17:21]
4. Discovering Purpose: Have you taken steps to discover your unique purpose as described in the sermon? If not, what is holding you back, and how can you overcome these obstacles? [14:21]
5. Community Involvement: How can you get more involved in the church’s initiatives, such as City Serve or Access College, to make a tangible difference in your community? [19:27]
6. Next Generation: What are some ways you can invest in the next generation, either through mentoring, teaching, or supporting educational initiatives? [25:17]
7. Daily Impact: Reflect on your daily routine. Are there changes you can make to ensure that each day is lived with purpose and intention, making a lasting impact? [16:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering Our Divine Design
God has intricately woven each of us with a unique purpose, and when we align our lives with His design, we experience the fullness of life He intends for us. This alignment is not a passive process but requires active engagement and commitment to discovering and living out our God-given purpose. To truly understand our divine design, we must engage in a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand the talents and abilities we have been given. This is not about navel-gazing or self-aggrandizement but about recognizing how our individual gifts fit into the larger tapestry of God's kingdom. It's about finding where our deepest passions meet the world's needs and serving there. As we do this, we step into the fullness of life that God has prepared for us, a life that is rich in meaning and purpose. [15:19]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Reflection: What unique talents and abilities have you been given, and how can you use them to serve others in a way that aligns with God's purpose for your life?
Day 2: The Heart of Generosity
True generosity goes beyond financial giving; it encompasses the giving of time, service, and love. Our church embodies this spirit of generosity, understanding that it is through giving that we receive, and through serving others that we find our own lives enriched and our joy made complete. Generosity is not merely about the act of giving but about adopting a generous spirit that permeates all aspects of life. It's about being willing to offer time to listen, to serve without seeking recognition, and to love unconditionally. This kind of generosity reflects the heart of God and has the power to transform communities. When we give selflessly, we not only meet the needs of others but also discover the true joy that comes from being a conduit of God's blessings. [17:21]
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." - Proverbs 11:25 ESV
Reflection: How can you practice irrational generosity today, not just in giving financially, but in offering your time, service, and love to those around you?
Day 3: Vision for a Purposeful Life
Vision is essential for a purposeful life. Without a clear vision from God, we risk wandering aimlessly or succeeding in endeavors that hold no eternal significance. As a church, we are dedicated to helping each individual discover the vision God has for them, ensuring that their lives make a lasting impact. A God-given vision provides direction and focus, guiding us toward endeavors that have eternal value. It helps us prioritize our time and resources, aligning our actions with the mission God has entrusted to us. With a clear vision, we can live intentionally, making choices that contribute to the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. [07:55]
"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 ESV
Reflection: What is the vision God has placed in your heart, and what practical steps can you take today to move closer to fulfilling that vision?
Day 4: Collective Action for Greater Impact
Our church's vision is not just for individual growth but for collective action. By coming together as a community of believers, we can achieve far more than we could alone. Our initiatives, both local and global, are a testament to what can be accomplished when we unite under a shared vision to make a difference in the world. When we join forces, pooling our resources, talents, and time, we can tackle larger projects and address more significant needs. This collective action is a powerful demonstration of the body of Christ at work, showing the world what can be achieved when love and faith are put into action. [19:27]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: How can you contribute to the collective efforts of our church community to make a tangible difference in the lives of others?
Day 5: Investing in Future Generations
The next generation holds the key to the future of the church and the world. By investing in their education and spiritual formation, we are not only shaping future leaders but also ensuring that the legacy of faith and service continues to thrive and expand beyond our current reach. This investment goes beyond mere academic knowledge; it's about imparting wisdom, character, and a heart for service. As we pour into the lives of young people, we are equipping them to carry the torch of the gospel, to innovate in ministry, and to lead with integrity. This is a sacred trust, one that promises to yield fruit for generations to come. [25:17]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 ESV
Reflection: What role can you play in mentoring or supporting the spiritual growth of a young person in your community, and how can you start this very week?
Quotes
1) "Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose. I want to help you get to the vision for your life." [07:55] (Download | )
2) "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves, but when they attend to what he reveals, they are the most blessed." [05:10] (Download | )
3) "You need a vision for your life, and God is the one who is the vision giver. Without a vision, you will float through life aimlessly." [04:05] (Download | )
4) "I want all of you to take a step, and if you haven't taken a step towards jumping into our next steps class, please do. That's how you live a life of purpose." [15:19] (Download | )
5) "It's to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. God wants you to live a fruitful kind of life." [16:49] (Download | )
6) "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. What if this was God's idea for you?" [17:21] (Download | )
7) "If you'll give God one year of all-in, serving, giving, getting involved, it'll change your whole life. I'm so convinced of this." [17:53] (Download | )
8) "We believe that when we live a life that thinks about our legacy, we're thinking about what about my life will keep rippling into eternity." [18:23] (Download | )
9) "We're going to do all these things we could do all of them next month if our church ponies up and gives like crazy. God sets the vision; we set the pace." [19:27] (Download | )
10) "We want to bring our church into the correctional facilities and addiction recovery centers. For people who feel forgotten, I want them to remember that God didn't forget them." [20:24] (Download | )
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