Looking Up and Out: Embracing God's Greater Purpose
Summary
In the midst of our “Open Skies” series, we’re taking time this summer to lift our eyes above the routines and pressures of daily life, to remember that God is always inviting us into something bigger than ourselves. Life can easily become claustrophobic, dominated by our own needs, ambitions, and problems. Yet, when we look up—when we encounter God—we are also called to look out. God’s work in our lives is never just for us alone; it’s always meant to overflow into the lives of others.
Abraham’s story in Genesis 12 is a powerful reminder of this truth. God called Abraham to leave the familiar, promising not just personal blessing, but that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This is the language of multiplication, not just addition. When we step out in faith, our obedience has ripple effects far beyond our own lives. The breakthrough God brings is not just for us, but for our families, our communities, and even nations.
We live in a culture obsessed with self—self-help, self-actualization, self-promotion. But God’s design is for group actualization, for us to be part of something greater. When we look out, we see beyond ourselves and our problems. We begin to notice the people God has placed in our lives—not just our families and friends, but colleagues, neighbors, and even strangers we pass on the street. Each of these relationships is an opportunity for God’s blessing to flow through us.
Looking out also transforms our households. Abraham took his wife and nephew with him; Joshua declared, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Our faith and obedience shape the spiritual atmosphere of our homes, and God’s faithfulness extends to our children, no matter where they are on their journey.
Finally, looking out means truly seeing others. It’s easy to judge people by their actions while excusing ourselves by our intentions. But God calls us to empathy, to recognize that every person we encounter is someone He cares about deeply. The church is not a private party; it’s an open invitation for all. As we look up and look out, we become conduits of God’s love, grace, and blessing to the world around us.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Work in You Is Never Just for You
The blessings, growth, and breakthroughs God brings into your life are designed to overflow into the lives of others. Abraham’s call was not just about his own destiny, but about becoming a channel of blessing for nations. When we recognize this, our perspective shifts from self-centeredness to a kingdom mindset, where our obedience has generational and communal impact. [04:25]
- Looking Out Multiplies God’s Impact
Scripture teaches that one can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten thousand. When we move beyond individualism and join with others in faith and purpose, God multiplies our influence and effectiveness. The church is called to be a force for transformation in cities and nations, not just a refuge for individuals. [06:16]
- Seeing Beyond Your Problems Releases Faith
Focusing solely on your own struggles can shrink your world and your faith. But when you intentionally look out—serving, encouraging, and caring for others—you gain perspective and strength. God often brings breakthrough not when we fixate on our needs, but when we become part of His solution for someone else. [18:50]
- Your Obedience Shapes Your Household’s Destiny
The steps of faith you take today have a profound effect on your family, both now and for generations to come. God’s faithfulness covers your children, and your willingness to follow Him creates spiritual inheritance and protection for your household. Even when your children seem far from God, trust that He is drawing them home and working in their lives. [25:29]
- Truly Seeing Others Is an Act of Kingdom Love
It’s easy to overlook or judge those around us, especially when we’re preoccupied with our own lives. But God calls us to see people as He does—to recognize their value, their struggles, and their potential. Every encounter is an opportunity to extend grace, empathy, and the invitation of God’s love, making the church a welcoming, open community for all. [32:08]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:35] - Stories of Community and Connection
[04:25] - God’s Work in You Is Not Just for You
[06:16] - Expanding Your Circle: Who Has God Placed in Your Life?
[09:23] - Abraham’s Call: Looking Up and Looking Out
[11:19] - Breaking Out of the Familiar
[13:25] - Seeing Beyond Yourself: Influence and Impact
[14:22] - The Selfie Generation and Group Actualization
[16:12] - Joab’s Example: Choosing Team Over Self
[18:50] - Seeing Beyond Your Problems
[21:06] - A Story of Compassion for a Neighbor
[23:42] - Obedience and Sacrifice: Stories from the Church
[25:29] - Praying for Our Children and Households
[31:05] - The Church: An Open Party for All
[32:08] - Judging Others and Walking in Empathy
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Open Skies – Look Out”
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 12:1-5 (ESV)
> Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.
Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
> Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
> And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 12, what did God promise Abraham, and who was included in the scope of that promise?
([09:23])
2. According to Philippians 2:3, what attitude should we have towards others, and how does this contrast with the culture described in the sermon?
([04:25])
3. When Abraham responded to God’s call, who did he bring with him, and why is that detail significant?
([09:23])
4. In Joshua 24:15, what decision does Joshua make for himself and his household?
([25:29])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God’s promise to Abraham included “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” instead of just focusing on Abraham’s personal blessing?
([09:23])
2. The sermon mentions that “God’s work in you is never just for you.” How does this idea challenge the way people often think about faith and blessing?
([04:25])
3. What does it mean for our obedience to have “ripple effects” beyond our own lives? Can you think of examples from the Bible or your own experience?
([11:19])
4. The pastor said, “Looking out also transforms our households.” How might a parent’s faith and obedience impact their children, even if the children seem far from God?
([25:29])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “look out” and see beyond our own needs and problems. This week, who is one person outside your immediate family or friend group that God might be inviting you to notice or bless? What could you do for them?
([06:16])
2. The pastor shared a story about being so focused on his own problems that he almost missed an opportunity to show kindness to a neighbor. Can you think of a recent time when you were preoccupied with your own struggles and missed a chance to help someone else? What would you do differently next time?
([21:06])
3. Abraham’s obedience affected his whole household, and Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” What is one practical way you can shape the spiritual atmosphere of your home this week, regardless of where your family members are on their faith journey?
([25:29])
4. The sermon talked about the difference between self-actualization and “group actualization.” In what areas of your life are you tempted to focus only on your own growth or success? How could you shift your mindset to include others?
([14:22])
5. The pastor said, “It’s easy to judge people by their actions while excusing ourselves by our intentions.” Is there someone in your life you’ve been judging or dismissing? What would it look like to see them with empathy and as someone God cares about?
([32:08])
6. The church was described as “an open party, not a private party.” How can you help make your small group or church a more welcoming place for people who are new or feel like outsiders?
([31:05])
7. The sermon encouraged us to trust that God is working in the lives of our children, even if we can’t see it. If you’re a parent, what is one way you can pray for or encourage your children this week? If you’re not a parent, how can you support or pray for the children and families in your community?
([25:29])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you look up, look out, and become a channel of His blessing to others this week.
Devotional
Day 1: What God is doing in you is not just about you.
God’s work in your life is never meant to stop with you; it is designed to overflow into the lives of those around you, impacting your family, friends, and even people you may not yet know. When you recognize that your journey with God is part of a much bigger story, you begin to see your influence stretching far beyond your own needs and desires. This perspective challenges the self-centeredness that can creep into our faith and calls us to live with open hands and open hearts, ready to be used by God for the blessing of others. Take a moment to consider the people God has placed in your life—both near and far—and ask Him to show you how your obedience and transformation can become a blessing to them. [04:25]
Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Reflection: Who is one person outside your usual circle that God may be calling you to bless or encourage this week, and what is one practical step you can take to reach out to them?
Day 2: When you look out, you see beyond yourself.
Looking out means lifting your eyes from your own concerns and routines to see the broader landscape of God’s purpose for your life. It’s easy to become consumed by your own needs, problems, and ambitions, but God calls you to be part of something much bigger—a community, a nation, even a movement that brings His blessing to the world. When you fix your eyes on what is unseen and eternal, you begin to realize that your life is meant to be lived in connection with others, working together for God’s kingdom rather than for personal glory. This shift in focus brings freedom from self-absorption and opens you up to the supernatural multiplication that happens when God’s people unite for His purposes. [13:25]
Deuteronomy 32:30 (ESV)
How could one have chased a thousand, and two have put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had given them up?
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on your own needs or achievements, and how can you intentionally invite someone else into that area to pursue God’s purposes together?
Day 3: When you look out, you see beyond your problems.
Taking your eyes off your own struggles and focusing on others can bring a fresh perspective and renewed faith. Abraham had every reason to be preoccupied with his limitations and excuses, yet God called him to look up and look out, trusting that his breakthrough was not just for himself but for many others. When you magnify the Lord instead of your problems, you find strength to believe for others and for yourself. Sometimes, serving or caring for someone else in the midst of your own challenges can be the very thing that shifts your heart and brings hope. God invites you to see your circumstances through the lens of His power and purpose, not just your own capacity. [18:50]
Psalm 34:3 (ESV)
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Reflection: Think of a current problem or challenge you are facing—how might helping or praying for someone else in need change your perspective on your own situation today?
Day 4: When you look out, your household sees something different.
Your faith and obedience to God have a profound impact on your family and those closest to you. Just as Abraham’s journey of faith included his wife and nephew, your willingness to follow God and trust Him with your life sets an example and creates a spiritual legacy for your household. God’s promises are not just for you, but for your children and those under your care. Even when you worry about your children’s future or faith, remember that God is watching over them and working in their lives. As you choose to serve the Lord, you invite His blessing and protection over your entire household, declaring together, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [25:29]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally demonstrate your faith to your family this week, inviting them to experience God’s goodness and faithfulness with you?
Day 5: When you look out, you truly see others.
God brings people into your life for a reason, and sometimes those people are outside your comfort zone or circle of familiarity. Abraham’s story shows that as you step out in faith, God will surround you with new people to love, serve, and include in your journey. It’s easy to judge others by their actions while excusing your own intentions, but God calls you to see people with compassion and openness, recognizing that what He is doing in you is meant to overflow into their lives as well. The church is not a private party—it’s an open invitation for all to experience God’s love and grace. Be attentive to the new faces and opportunities God places before you, and let your life be a channel of His blessing to others. [31:05]
Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Reflection: Who is someone new or unfamiliar that God has brought into your life recently, and how can you intentionally welcome or include them in a meaningful way this week?
Quotes
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