Rediscovering Our Purpose: Living for God's Glory

Today’s focus is on rediscovering and renewing our God-given purpose: to live lives that bring praise and glory to the Lord. Salvation is a gift we simply receive, and from that moment, our journey of growth and transformation begins. As new creations in Christ, our lives are meant to reflect His goodness, not just in words but in the way we live, serve, and interact with others. The burdens and cares of life can weigh us down, but God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him, trusting that He cares deeply for each of us.

Our purpose is not found in worldly achievements or recognition, but in pleasing God and living for His glory. Psalm 100 reminds us that we are created to praise Him, to serve Him with gladness, and to approach Him with thanksgiving. The world may tell us to chase after fun, success, or approval, but only what is done for Christ will last. Each day, we have the opportunity to live out our faith in a way that shouts the love and joy of Jesus to those around us.

Serving God should not be a burdensome duty, but a joyful response to His love. Like the story of the wife who served her second husband out of love rather than obligation, our acts of service and worship should flow from a heart that delights in God. Even when our efforts go unnoticed by others, we remember that we live for the audience of One—our Creator, our Good Shepherd, who knows and loves us intimately. He sees every act of faithfulness, even when no one else does.

Gratitude is the natural overflow of a heart that recognizes God’s goodness and mercy. Instead of focusing on what we lack or what troubles us, we are called to give thanks in all circumstances, acknowledging the countless blessings God has given us. Whether in times of abundance or trial, a thankful spirit keeps our hearts aligned with God’s will and opens our eyes to His enduring faithfulness.

Ultimately, our lives are to be lived in joyful praise, humble service, and deep gratitude, all for the glory of God. As we seek to please Him above all, He promises to direct our paths and provide for every need. Let us renew our purpose today: to love, serve, and praise the Lord with all our hearts.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Purpose Flows from Relationship, Not Performance Our purpose is rooted in being new creations in Christ, not in what we achieve or how others perceive us. True fulfillment comes from living to please God, not from chasing after recognition or worldly success. When we rest in our identity as God’s beloved, our direction and purpose become clear. [36:53]
• 2. Let Your Life Shout for Jesus The most powerful testimony is not what we say, but how we live. A life that radiates the joy and love of Christ speaks louder than any sermon. Others should be able to see, through our actions and attitudes, that we belong to Jesus and that He is our greatest treasure. [41:19]
• 3. Serve with Joy, Not Obligation Service to God and others should be motivated by love, not duty or expectation of reward. Like the wife who served her second husband out of love, our acts of service become meaningful and life-giving when they flow from gratitude for all God has done for us. Joyful service is a reflection of a heart transformed by grace. [52:32]
• 4. Live for the Audience of One Recognition from others is fleeting, but God’s approval is eternal. Even when our efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated by people, God sees every act of faithfulness. Living for His smile, rather than the applause of men, frees us from disappointment and keeps our motives pure. [56:38]
• 5. Gratitude Transforms Perspective Thankfulness is not dependent on circumstances, but on recognizing God’s goodness and mercy in every season. Practicing gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of blessings we have received. A thankful heart is a powerful antidote to discouragement and a key to living a life of praise.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Visitor Recognition and Church Family Updates
• [04:30] - Encouragement for New Parents and Church Community
• [08:10] - The Burdens We Carry and God’s Invitation to Rest
• [13:00] - Renewing Our Purpose: Created to Praise
• [18:20] - The Right Purpose Brings the Right Direction
• [27:34] - Reading Psalm 100 Together
• [36:53] - What Is My Purpose? Living to Please God
• [41:19] - Living a Life That Shouts for Jesus
• [44:47] - Serving the Lord with Joy
• [47:39] - Singing and Serving with Genuine Joy
• [50:47] - Serving from Love, Not Obligation
• [52:32] - Self-Examination: Why Do We Serve?
• [56:38] - Living for the Audience of One
• [61:07] - God Sees Every Act of Faithfulness
• [62:45] - The Power of Gratitude
• [64:08] - God’s Goodness and Enduring Mercy
• [65:55] - Trusting God to Direct Our Paths
• [69:27] - Invitation and Prayer
• [73:03] - Baptism and Closing Announcements
• [79:01] - Final Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Psalm 100 (ESV) — > 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
> 2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
> Come into his presence with singing!
> 3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
> It is he who made us, and we are his;
> we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
> 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
> and his courts with praise!
> Give thanks to him; bless his name!
> 5 For the Lord is good;
> his steadfast love endures forever,
> and his faithfulness to all generations.

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 100, what are some specific ways we are called to approach God? (see verses 1-4)
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is our true purpose as believers? [36:53]
3. What is the difference between serving God out of obligation and serving Him out of love, as illustrated by the story of the two husbands? [52:32]
4. What does the pastor say about how God views our acts of faithfulness, even when others do not notice? [56:38]

Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor says our purpose is not found in achievements or recognition, but in pleasing God and living for His glory. Why might it be tempting to seek purpose in other things? [36:53]
2. The sermon describes a life that “shouts for Jesus.” What does it mean for someone’s life to “shout” for Jesus, and how is this different from just talking about faith? [41:19]
3. The story of the wife who served her second husband out of love is used as an illustration. What does this story teach about the motivation behind our service to God? [52:32]
4. The pastor talks about gratitude as an “overflow” of recognizing God’s goodness. How does practicing gratitude change a person’s perspective, especially during hard times? [01:04:08]

Application Questions

1. The world often tells us to chase after fun, success, or approval. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to find your purpose in these things instead of in Christ? What would it look like to shift your focus? [36:53]
2. The pastor encourages us to “live a life that shouts for Jesus.” Think about your daily routine—what is one specific way your actions or attitude could better reflect the joy and love of Christ to those around you this week? [41:19]
3. Serving God should be a joyful response, not a burdensome duty. Is there an area of service in your life that feels more like an obligation than a joy? What might help you rediscover joy in that area? [52:32]
4. The sermon says we should “live for the audience of One.” Are you currently doing anything mainly for the approval or recognition of others? How can you remind yourself that God’s approval is what matters most? [56:38]
5. The pastor shared a story about gratitude, even in difficult circumstances. What is one thing you are struggling with right now, and how could you practice gratitude in the midst of it? [01:04:08]
6. Psalm 100 calls us to “serve the Lord with gladness.” What is one practical way you can serve God or others with gladness this week, even if it’s a small act?
7. The pastor mentioned casting our anxieties on God because He cares for us. Is there a specific worry or burden you need to give to God? What would it look like to trust Him with it this week? [490s]