Made for a Purpose - Pastor Jake Dyck

Each of us is uniquely crafted by God, not by accident or random chance, but as his handiwork—his masterpiece—created in Christ Jesus for good works that he prepared in advance for us. God’s desire is for a living, vibrant relationship with us, one where we walk with him daily, aware of his presence and purpose in our lives. From the very beginning, God has been the one who pursues us, as seen in the garden with Adam and Eve and in the parable of the prodigal son. Even when we stray, God’s heart is to restore and draw us back into relationship with him.

Yet, we must recognize that we have an enemy who is always working to distort, distract, and destroy what God is doing in our lives. The enemy’s tactics are subtle—twisting truth, sowing fear, and tempting us to doubt God’s goodness or our own purpose. But God’s promises remain: he will never leave us nor forsake us, and he is always working for our good, even in the midst of trials and loss. Our hope in Christ gives us a different perspective on suffering and loss, allowing us to grieve with hope and to live with purpose.

God’s calling is not limited to a specific job or role; rather, whatever we do—whether it’s farming, building, serving at home, or even drawing blood at a clinic—we are called to do it wholeheartedly for the Lord. Our daily work becomes an act of worship when we do it to honor God and serve others. The gifts and talents God has given us are meant to build up the church and bless those around us. Sometimes, stepping into our gifts can feel uncomfortable or even painful, much like physical therapy, but as we stretch and grow, God uses us in powerful ways.

We are not called to compare our purpose to others or to wait for some grand calling before we serve. Instead, we are to be faithful where we are, using our gifts to glorify God and build up his people. As we do this, we can be confident that God, who began a good work in us, will carry it on to completion. Our purpose is to honor God, serve others, and let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Pursuit and Our Response: God is always the initiator in relationship, pursuing us even when we hide or stray. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, he runs to meet us when we turn our hearts toward him. Our role is to respond willingly, surrendering our lives and choosing him daily, knowing that his desire is always for restoration and closeness. [28:31]
• 2. The Enemy’s Subtle Tactics: The enemy rarely attacks head-on; instead, he distorts truth, sows fear, and tries to make us doubt God’s goodness or our own worth. Even small deviations from truth can lead us far off course over time, so we must be discerning, rooted in Scripture, and guided by the Holy Spirit to recognize and resist these deceptions. [31:00]
• 3. Purpose in Everyday Work: Our calling is not confined to church roles or “spiritual” jobs. Whatever our vocation—whether it’s building, farming, serving at home, or any other work—we are to do it wholeheartedly for the Lord. When Christ is at the center of our work, even the most ordinary tasks become acts of worship and avenues for God’s glory. [42:00]
• 4. Stretching into Our Gifts: Using our spiritual gifts can feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, much like physical therapy after an injury. Growth comes through consistent use and stretching beyond our comfort zones. As we serve and build up the church, God matures us and multiplies the impact of our gifts, both for others and for our own spiritual growth. [48:14]
• 5. Confidence in God’s Faithfulness: We may not always know the specifics of our calling, but we can be confident that God is at work in us. He promises to complete the good work he began, guiding us as we seek to honor him in all we do. Our purpose is to glorify God, serve others, and trust that he will use our lives for his kingdom as we remain faithful. [50:47]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:14] - Call to Worship: Come As You Are
• [23:59] - Announcements: Thanksgiving and Christmas
• [25:53] - Made for a Purpose: Ephesians 2:10
• [26:40] - God’s Masterpiece and Relationship
• [27:17] - The Enemy’s Schemes
• [28:31] - God’s Pursuit in Scripture
• [29:43] - Hope in Loss and Suffering
• [31:00] - Discernment and the Enemy’s Tactics
• [32:46] - God’s Promises and Presence
• [34:02] - God’s Command to Be Fruitful
• [35:14] - Fear, Children, and Trusting God
• [39:30] - Temptation and God’s Purpose
• [42:00] - Glorifying God in Everyday Work
• [46:23] - Spiritual Gifts and Building Up the Church
• [48:14] - Stretching and Growing in Our Gifts
• [50:47] - Confidence in God’s Good Work
• [51:27] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) — > For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) — > Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) — > And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean that we are God’s “workmanship” or “masterpiece”? What does the verse say we are created for? [26:40]
2. In Colossians 3:23-24, what attitude does Paul say we should have toward our daily work? Who are we ultimately serving? [42:38]
3. What promise does Philippians 1:6 give to believers about the work God is doing in their lives? [50:47]
4. The sermon mentioned that God pursues us, even when we stray. What two stories from the Bible were used to illustrate this? [28:31]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says God is always the one who initiates relationship with us, even when we hide or stray. Why is it important to understand God as the pursuer in our relationship with him? How might this change the way someone responds to God? [28:31]
2. The enemy’s tactics are described as subtle—twisting truth, sowing fear, and tempting us to doubt God’s goodness or our own purpose. Why do you think these subtle tactics are often more effective than direct attacks? [31:00]
3. The sermon compares using our spiritual gifts to physical therapy—sometimes uncomfortable or even painful at first. Why might stepping into our gifts feel awkward, and what does this discomfort produce in us over time? [48:14]
4. The message says our purpose is not limited to a specific job or role, but to honor God and serve others wherever we are. How does this perspective challenge the way people often think about “calling” or “purpose”? [42:00]

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about God pursuing us like the father in the parable of the prodigal son. Is there an area of your life where you feel like you’ve been hiding or running from God? What would it look like to let God “run to meet you” this week? [28:31]
2. The enemy tries to distract and distort God’s truth in our lives. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt tempted to doubt God’s goodness or your own worth? How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? [31:00]
3. The message emphasized that whatever our job or daily work is, we can do it for God’s glory. Think about your current work or daily responsibilities—what is one specific way you can approach them as an act of worship this week? [42:00]
4. Using our spiritual gifts can feel uncomfortable, like stretching a sore muscle. Is there a gift or area of service you feel God might be nudging you to step into, even if it feels awkward? What is one small step you could take to “stretch” in that area? [48:14]
5. The sermon warned against comparing our purpose to others or waiting for a “grand calling” before serving. Have you ever found yourself waiting for something “bigger” before getting involved? What is one way you can be faithful right where you are? [49:30]
6. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will finish the good work he started in us. When you feel uncertain about your purpose or future, how can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness? Is there a practical way you can encourage yourself or someone else with this truth this week? [50:47]
7. The message mentioned that even in suffering or loss, we can have hope in Christ. Is there a loss or trial you’re facing where you need to see things from God’s perspective? How can the group pray for you or support you in this? [29:43]