Plugged Into Purpose: Finding Life in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that our lives only function properly when we are plugged into the right source—Jesus Christ. Using a simple yet powerful analogy of a lamp that doesn't work unless plugged into a power source, we delved into how people often try to find fulfillment and purpose in relationships, careers, hobbies, or material possessions. These attempts inevitably lead to frustration and a sense of emptiness because they are not the true source of life.
We examined Matthew 6, where Jesus teaches about the futility of worrying about material needs like food, drink, and clothing. He emphasizes that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us, just as He cares for the birds and the lilies. Jesus challenges us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all these things will be added to us. This passage serves as a reminder that our primary focus should be on our relationship with God, not on the temporary and often unreliable sources we tend to rely on.
The message is clear: instead of trying to fit Jesus into our pre-existing lives, we should reorient our entire lives around Him. This means making conscious decisions to stay connected to Jesus in every aspect of our lives, whether it's our relationships, careers, or daily activities. When we do this, everything else falls into place, and we experience the peace and fulfillment that only He can provide.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of the Right Source: Just like a lamp needs to be plugged into a power source to function, our lives need to be connected to Jesus to work properly. Trying to find fulfillment in relationships, careers, or material possessions will always leave us empty because they are not the true source of life. [41:04]
2. God's Provision: Jesus teaches us not to worry about our material needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide for us. This is a call to trust in God's provision and to focus on our relationship with Him rather than being consumed by worry. [47:02]
3. Seek First the Kingdom: The key to a fulfilling life is to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into place. This is a fundamental shift from trying to fit Jesus into our lives to reorienting our lives around Him. [51:34]
4. Identity in Christ: Our struggles, whether they are anxiety, financial strain, or relational conflicts, do not define us. They are challenges we face, but our true identity is found in Christ. Staying connected to Jesus helps us navigate these struggles with a sense of peace and purpose. [56:26]
5. Consistency in Faith: It's crucial to remain consistently plugged into Jesus, not just during church services or in times of need. This means integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives and making decisions that reflect our commitment to Christ. [57:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:31] - Introduction and Lamp Analogy
[41:04] - The Problem of Being Unplugged
[42:34] - Misplaced Trust in Relationships and Material Things
[44:05] - Political Promises and False Hopes
[45:32] - Jesus' Teaching on Worry
[47:02] - God's Provision for Our Needs
[48:37] - The Futility of Worry
[50:10] - Faith and Trust in God's Care
[51:34] - Identity and Faith
[53:21] - Reorienting Life Around Jesus
[54:46] - Jesus as the Source, Not a Resource
[56:26] - Application: Consistency in Faith
[57:52] - The Danger of Plugging and Unplugging
[59:09] - Practical Steps to Stay Plugged In
[01:00:40] - Struggles Do Not Define Us
[01:02:04] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:03:34] - Call to Salvation
[01:05:05] - Call to Recommitment
[01:06:30] - Closing Prayer and Praise
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:24-34 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What analogy did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of being connected to the right source? ([39:31])
2. According to Matthew 6:26, how does Jesus describe God's provision for the birds, and what lesson does He draw from this? ([47:02])
3. In Matthew 6:33, what does Jesus instruct us to seek first, and what promise is attached to this instruction? ([51:34])
4. How does the pastor describe the common ways people try to find fulfillment, and why do these attempts fail? ([42:34])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that we cannot serve both God and money in Matthew 6:24? How does this relate to the overall message of the sermon? ([45:32])
2. What does it mean to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" in practical terms? How might this look in everyday life? ([51:34])
3. How does the pastor's analogy of the lamp help us understand the concept of being "plugged into" Jesus? What are the implications of this analogy for our daily lives? ([41:04])
4. The pastor mentioned that our struggles do not define us, but our identity is found in Christ. How does staying connected to Jesus help us navigate our struggles? ([56:26])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current sources of fulfillment. Are there any areas where you are "plugging in" to the wrong source? How can you reorient these areas to be centered around Jesus? ([42:34])
2. Jesus tells us not to worry about our material needs because God knows what we need. What specific worries do you need to surrender to God, and how can you practice trusting Him more in these areas? ([47:02])
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of consistency in faith. What practical steps can you take to ensure you remain "plugged into" Jesus throughout the week, not just during church services? ([57:52])
4. Think about a recent time when you felt anxious or stressed. How might seeking first the Kingdom of God have changed your perspective or response in that situation? ([51:34])
5. The pastor mentioned that our identity is found in Christ, not in our struggles. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges? Are there specific Bible verses or practices that help you stay grounded in your identity in Christ? ([56:26])
6. Are there any relationships, activities, or habits in your life that might be pulling you away from being fully connected to Jesus? What changes can you make to ensure these do not interfere with your relationship with Him? ([54:46])
7. How can you support others in your small group or community to stay "plugged into" Jesus? What are some ways you can encourage and hold each other accountable in your faith journeys? ([57:52])
Devotional
Day 1: The Right Source for Fulfillment
Our lives, much like a lamp, require the right source to function properly. Many people seek fulfillment in relationships, careers, hobbies, or material possessions, but these attempts often lead to frustration and emptiness. These sources are not the true source of life. Jesus Christ is the only source that can provide the fulfillment and purpose we seek. When we are connected to Him, our lives work as they should, and we experience true peace and satisfaction.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6 not to worry about our material needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide for us. This passage reminds us that our primary focus should be on our relationship with God, not on temporary and unreliable sources. By seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything else will fall into place. This fundamental shift from trying to fit Jesus into our lives to reorienting our lives around Him is crucial for experiencing the peace and fulfillment that only He can provide.
[Matthew 6:31-33 ESV] "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been seeking fulfillment outside of Jesus? How can you begin to reorient these areas around Him today? [41:04]
Day 2: Trusting in God's Provision
Jesus teaches us not to worry about our material needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide for us. This teaching is a call to trust in God's provision and to focus on our relationship with Him rather than being consumed by worry. Just as God cares for the birds and the lilies, He will also care for us. This assurance allows us to live with a sense of peace and trust, knowing that God is in control and will provide for our needs.
When we trust in God's provision, we can let go of the anxiety and stress that often accompany our material concerns. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we align ourselves with His will and experience the peace that comes from knowing He is our provider. This shift in focus from our needs to God's provision helps us live a more fulfilled and content life.
[Philippians 4:19 ESV] "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what ways have you been consumed by worry about your material needs? How can you actively trust in God's provision today? [47:02]
Day 3: Seeking First the Kingdom of God
The key to a fulfilling life is to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into place. This is a fundamental shift from trying to fit Jesus into our lives to reorienting our lives around Him. By making conscious decisions to stay connected to Jesus in every aspect of our lives, whether it's our relationships, careers, or daily activities, we experience the peace and fulfillment that only He can provide.
Jesus challenges us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all our needs will be met. This requires a deliberate and intentional focus on our relationship with God, making Him the center of our lives. When we do this, we find that our worries and anxieties diminish, and we experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. This shift in focus helps us live a more balanced and content life, grounded in our faith and trust in God.
[Colossians 3:1-2 ESV] "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek first the Kingdom of God in your daily life? How can you make Jesus the center of your relationships, career, and activities? [51:34]
Day 4: Finding Our Identity in Christ
Our struggles, whether they are anxiety, financial strain, or relational conflicts, do not define us. These challenges are part of life, but our true identity is found in Christ. Staying connected to Jesus helps us navigate these struggles with a sense of peace and purpose. When we understand that our identity is rooted in Christ, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are loved and valued by God.
Jesus teaches us that our worth is not determined by our circumstances but by our relationship with Him. This understanding allows us to approach life's difficulties with a different perspective, seeing them as opportunities for growth and reliance on God. By staying connected to Jesus, we can find strength and comfort in His presence, knowing that He is with us through every trial and challenge.
[2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV] "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How have you allowed your struggles to define you? How can you begin to see your identity in Christ and rely on Him for strength and comfort? [56:26]
Day 5: Consistency in Faith
It's crucial to remain consistently plugged into Jesus, not just during church services or in times of need. This means integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives and making decisions that reflect our commitment to Christ. Consistency in faith requires daily intentionality, seeking to stay connected to Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible, and living out our faith in practical ways.
When we are consistent in our faith, we experience a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Jesus. This consistency helps us navigate life's ups and downs with a sense of stability and peace, knowing that we are grounded in our relationship with Christ. By making a conscious effort to stay connected to Jesus every day, we can experience the fullness of life that He promises.
[John 15:4-5 ESV] "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: In what ways can you integrate your faith into your daily life? How can you make a conscious effort to stay connected to Jesus consistently? [57:52]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You and I know better. We have to plug into the source and then lo and behold, it all works. But there's only, listen to me, there's only one option. One. It has to be the source. So plug yourself into the source. The solution is so obvious that it seems simple, but it eludes us. And it's okay. It eludes all of us from time to time." [54:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Instead of working Jesus around your life, work your life around Jesus. You see the difference in that? Instead of trying to take Jesus and cram Jesus into what you already have in existence, it's in your life. Instead, reorient everything around Jesus." [56:26] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Stop trying to cram Jesus into your life and reorient your life around Jesus. I can promise you there is only one way that this works. Only one. So when you and I have conversations, let's say you come to the church to talk to me. Let's say you and I go to lunch. And if you start telling me stories and telling me about how life isn't working, don't be surprised if I say, what'd you read in scripture today?" [57:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Anxiety is not who you are. It's something you struggle with. Financial strain. It's not who you are. It's something you struggle with. Relational conflicts. It's not who you are. It's something you struggle with. And as long as you're plugged into the source, it's going to be okay. God knows how to take care of his children. He takes care of the birds of the air. He takes care of the lilies of the field. He will take care of you." [01:00:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You and I see this all the time maybe not with an electrical appliance but we see this with people all the time as a pastor I have these conversations with people all the time people who come and want to talk to me talk to somebody and their lives feel rather pointless their marriages they'll come in and they'll say pastor it's it's just it's not working look I'm I'm pulling the button I'm I'm clicking everything the way I'm supposed to and it's not working." [41:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus knows that food and drink and clothing are important. But what he's saying is be careful how you go after them. Don't plug into food and drink and clothing. Don't plug into another person. Don't plug into your children. Don't plug into your job, your career, your hobbies. Plug into me. And when you plug into me, you'll see that all things are very important." [53:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think there are often points in scripture, points in the narrative where we have to be shaken and God has to go, hey, why are you doing that? Stop it. This is not who you are. I know you followed me up here. I know you love me. But don't act like an unbeliever. Don't act like you don't know better than this." [51:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know who you are. You know who you are. You know who you are. You know who you are. You know who holds you in the palm of his hand. So why are you flipping out as if you don't know? You do." [51:34] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You want to live at peace. You desperately want to live that deep breath kind of lifestyle where you're not constantly running from thing to thing, spread too thin. Jesus said it three times. You want to not worry. Everybody in here wants to not worry. You just may not know how to turn off the worry." [01:00:40] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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