Rediscovering Purpose: Embracing God's Unique Calling
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we conclude our series on the promises of God, focusing on making a difference. Our foundational scripture is Exodus 6:6-7, where God promises to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, free them from slavery, redeem them, and take them as His own people. These promises are not just historical; they are relevant to us today. They illustrate God's desire to bring us out of our own "Egypts," free us from our past, restore us to our original design, and make us part of His people.
Before we were even formed in our mother's womb, God knew us and had a plan for us. Like Jeremiah, we were ordained for a specific purpose. However, many of us struggle because we are living lives that do not align with God's original design for us. We need to rediscover why we said yes to life and what our true purpose is. This journey begins with a calling. God has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
Our calling is specific. Just as David could not wear Saul's armor and had to use his own sling and rod, we must use the unique gifts and talents God has given us. The anointing is not on the tools we use but on us as individuals. When we allow God's anointing to work through us, what doesn't work for others will work for us. Our calling stands on a cause. Acts 20:24 says, "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus." We need to figure out our "why" because if we lose our "why," we lose our way.
We are all called to be ministers, not just in the church but in every area of life. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or businessperson, you are a minister. Have you discovered your place in the body of Christ? Once you discover your purpose, you need to find your people—those you are called to do life with. God has set each of us in the body as it pleases Him. We need to express our gifts in a local community, whether it's in the church, business, politics, or education.
We often let our past cripple us, allowing mistakes, failures, and negative experiences to define us. We also let culture define us, conforming to current trends and seeking the approval of people rather than God. But God is not trying to take anything from us; He is trying to get something to us. When we follow His principles, we receive the blessings He has in store for us.
Finally, we must move from an individual mindset to a collective one. God wants to take us as His own people, forming us into a community that makes a difference. At Hope City, we call this the Dream Team. We are not meant to do life alone. We need each other to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor." We need to come together, using our unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Knew Us Before We Were Born: Before we were even formed in our mother's womb, God knew us and had a specific plan for our lives. Like Jeremiah, we were ordained for a unique purpose. This divine foreknowledge should encourage us to seek out and live according to God's original design for us. When we align our lives with His purpose, we find true fulfillment. [39:29]
2. Our Calling is Unique and Anointed: Just as David could not wear Saul's armor and had to use his own sling and rod, we must use the unique gifts and talents God has given us. The anointing is not on the tools we use but on us as individuals. When we allow God's anointing to work through us, what doesn't work for others will work for us. This uniqueness is a testament to God's specific plan for each of us. [37:06]
3. Understanding Our "Why" is Crucial: Acts 20:24 emphasizes the importance of knowing our "why." If we lose our "why," we lose our way. Our purpose is not tied to material possessions or temporary achievements but to the eternal work assigned to us by the Lord Jesus. Discovering and holding onto our "why" helps us navigate life's challenges and stay focused on our divine mission. [38:22]
4. We Are All Ministers in Different Arenas: Whether you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or businessperson, you are a minister. God has set each of us in the body as it pleases Him. We need to express our gifts in a local community, whether it's in the church, business, politics, or education. This broad understanding of ministry helps us see our everyday work as a divine calling. [29:15]
5. We Need Each Other to Fulfill God's Purpose: God wants to take us as His own people, forming us into a community that makes a difference. At Hope City, we call this the Dream Team. We are not meant to do life alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor." We need to come together, using our unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. [20:42]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:16] - God's Promises in Exodus
3. [05:05] - The Unlived Life
4. [13:15] - Letting Culture Define Us
5. [17:07] - God's Principles for Life
6. [20:42] - From Individual to Community
7. [24:50] - Jesus' High-Road Leadership
8. [29:15] - Discovering Your Ministry
9. [36:14] - The Specificity of Your Calling
10. [37:46] - Standing on a Cause
11. [39:29] - God's Foreknowledge and Our Purpose
12. [40:42] - From Me to We
13. [41:51] - Placing You in the Body
14. [42:35] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 6:6-7: "Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.'"
2. Acts 20:24: "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the four promises God made to the Israelites in Exodus 6:6-7? How do these promises relate to our lives today? [01:16]
2. According to Acts 20:24, what does Paul consider to be the most important aspect of his life? How does this align with the sermon’s message about understanding our "why"? [37:46]
3. In Ecclesiastes 4:9, what is the benefit of two people working together? How does this verse support the sermon’s emphasis on community and the Dream Team? [20:42]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 6:6-7) symbolize God's desire to free us from our own "Egypts"? [01:16]
2. What does it mean to have a unique calling and anointing, as illustrated by David using his own sling and rod instead of Saul's armor? How can this understanding impact our view of our personal gifts and talents? [37:06]
3. How does understanding our "why" (Acts 20:24) help us navigate life's challenges and stay focused on our divine mission? [38:22]
4. Why is it important to move from an individual mindset to a collective one, as emphasized in Ecclesiastes 4:9 and the concept of the Dream Team? [20:42]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were living in your own "Egypt." How did you experience God's deliverance, and what steps can you take to ensure you don't return to that place? [01:16]
2. What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use these gifts in your current context, whether in your church, workplace, or community? [37:06]
3. Have you discovered your "why"? If so, how does it shape your daily decisions and actions? If not, what steps can you take to seek and understand your divine purpose? [38:22]
4. In what ways have you allowed your past to cripple you? What practical steps can you take to overcome these limitations and move forward in your calling? [10:36]
5. How has culture influenced your identity and decisions? What changes can you make to ensure that God's principles, rather than cultural trends, define your life? [13:15]
6. Are you currently trying to fulfill your calling alone? How can you engage with a community or team to better achieve your purpose and make a difference? [20:42]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to shift from an individual mindset to a collective one. What practical steps can you take this week to foster collaboration and community in that area? [20:42]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Foreknowledge and Our Unique Purpose
Before we were even formed in our mother's womb, God knew us and had a specific plan for our lives. Like Jeremiah, we were ordained for a unique purpose. This divine foreknowledge should encourage us to seek out and live according to God's original design for us. When we align our lives with His purpose, we find true fulfillment. God’s knowledge of us is not just a distant awareness but an intimate understanding of who we are and what we are meant to be. This should inspire us to live intentionally, seeking to discover and fulfill the purpose for which we were created.
Understanding that God has a plan for us can be both comforting and motivating. It means that our lives are not random or meaningless. Instead, we are part of a grand design, and our existence has significance. This realization should drive us to seek God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives, ensuring that we are walking in the path He has set for us. [39:29]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek out and align your life with God's original design for you?
Day 2: Embracing Our Unique Calling
Our calling is unique and anointed. Just as David could not wear Saul's armor and had to use his own sling and rod, we must use the unique gifts and talents God has given us. The anointing is not on the tools we use but on us as individuals. When we allow God's anointing to work through us, what doesn't work for others will work for us. This uniqueness is a testament to God's specific plan for each of us. Embracing our unique calling means recognizing and valuing the distinct gifts and talents we possess, and using them for God's glory.
It is easy to fall into the trap of comparison, looking at others and wishing we had their gifts or opportunities. However, God has equipped each of us with exactly what we need to fulfill our specific calling. By focusing on our unique strengths and trusting in God's anointing, we can accomplish things that are uniquely suited to us. This not only brings personal fulfillment but also contributes to the greater good of God's kingdom. [37:06]
1 Samuel 17:39-40 (ESV): "And David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, 'I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.' So David put them off. Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine."
Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you, and how can you use them to fulfill your calling?
Day 3: Discovering and Holding Onto Our "Why"
Understanding our "why" is crucial. Acts 20:24 emphasizes the importance of knowing our "why." If we lose our "why," we lose our way. Our purpose is not tied to material possessions or temporary achievements but to the eternal work assigned to us by the Lord Jesus. Discovering and holding onto our "why" helps us navigate life's challenges and stay focused on our divine mission. Knowing our "why" gives us direction and motivation, especially during difficult times.
Our "why" is the driving force behind our actions and decisions. It is what keeps us grounded and focused on what truly matters. When we are clear about our purpose, we are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or distractions. Instead, we can remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling God's plan for our lives. This clarity of purpose not only benefits us but also impacts those around us, as we become more effective and intentional in our actions. [38:22]
Acts 20:24 (ESV): "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Reflection: What is your "why," and how does it influence your daily decisions and actions?
Day 4: Seeing Ourselves as Ministers in Every Arena
We are all ministers in different arenas. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or businessperson, you are a minister. God has set each of us in the body as it pleases Him. We need to express our gifts in a local community, whether it's in the church, business, politics, or education. This broad understanding of ministry helps us see our everyday work as a divine calling. Recognizing that we are ministers in our respective fields transforms the way we approach our work and interactions with others.
Seeing ourselves as ministers means understanding that our work is not just a means to an end but a platform for serving God and others. It means being intentional about how we use our skills and opportunities to make a positive impact. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered goals to a greater purpose, aligning our professional lives with our spiritual calling. By doing so, we become agents of God's love and grace in every sphere of influence. [29:15]
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."
Reflection: How can you view your current job or role as a ministry, and what changes can you make to align it more closely with God's purpose?
Day 5: The Power of Community in Fulfilling God's Purpose
We need each other to fulfill God's purpose. God wants to take us as His own people, forming us into a community that makes a difference. At Hope City, we call this the Dream Team. We are not meant to do life alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor." We need to come together, using our unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. The power of community lies in the collective strength and support we provide to one another.
Being part of a community means recognizing that we are stronger together than we are alone. It means valuing the contributions of others and working collaboratively towards common goals. In a community, we find encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. This collective effort amplifies our impact, allowing us to achieve more than we could individually. By embracing the power of community, we fulfill God's purpose more effectively and create a lasting legacy. [20:42]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to and benefit from your community, and what steps can you take to strengthen these connections?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Not only do we allow our past to cripple us, we allow the culture to define us. Current ways and current trends, it defines us. Now, I always say, and I forgot who actually said this quote here, but the quote is, in matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock. It's okay to kind of move things around in seasons where, you know, in this season, just like now, we're going to a season now where we're in the spring and we're wearing spring clothes, but the summertime is coming. And you don't wear coats in the summertime, right? So, the season calls to wear more different kind of clothes, right? I don't even see you at the beach with a sweatsuit on. Are you with me? That's style. Those things come and those things change. But what shouldn't change in your life is standards, is principles." [13:15]
2. "We let our past cripple us. We let culture define us. And watch this here. We try to do it alone. We live an unlived life. Because we let our past cripple us. We let the culture define us. And we try to do it by ourselves. You got so much locked up on the inside of you. Mr. Brooks, who's the chairman over at the boys club over there. He got some dreams and some visions locked up in his head, locked up in his heart. But he can't bring the vision and the dreams locked up in his heart over at the boys and girls club by himself. He need a team. He need a group of people that got stuff that's locked up on the inside of him. All coming together collectively. Manifesting something, building something that he could not do by himself." [19:49]
3. "We need people. People say, I don't need nobody. Yes, you do. God designed us to need. A baby needs someone to get them out of the crib. God wired us to need people. But we come to a place in our world where people have either been offended or hurt. And leadership doesn't know how to handle that to help bridge the gap. The gap from the brokenness in bringing people together." [23:42]
4. "You're supposed to be peculiar. Listen. People are supposed to see you and see something distinguish about you than how other people respond and act. You may work at the same company, same job, and everybody else may be going off on the balls. How are you going to respond? Everybody else may be late every single day. How are you going to respond? What is peculiar about you? It won't take all that Pastor Corey. And that's why you ain't got some of your blessings right there. That's why you ain't got some of your, because what God will allow them to get away with, you can't get away with." [32:37]
### Quotes for Members
1. "It begins with a calling. 2 Timothy 1.9, he has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus. Before the beginning of time. So before you allow Egypt to mess you all up over the years and you did life on your own terms, God had already had designs for you. Now that I hope you discovered some of that over the past couple of weeks of who you are and what you're designed to be. Now it's time for you to get on a team and to a place where you can make a difference." [36:14]
2. "Your ministry is specific. The ministry over your life, the assignment over your life, it is specific. When they tried to put the armor on Saul or on David, and I can't break this down now, but when they tried to put the same armor on David that everybody else normally used, David put it on him. But David threw it off and said, this don't fit me. This don't work for me. And he used his simple sling. He used his slingshot and a rod to make a difference in his generation. I don't know what you got in your hand. I don't know what you got in your house. It may not look like what everybody else has, but if the anointing of God is on your life, he could use a slingshot and a rod. He could use a stutterer. Come on, somebody. He could use a form of thief. He could use a form of prostitute to do something great. And he will see." [37:06]
3. "Acts chapter 20 verse 24 says, But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus. That's a cause. He has a cause. Listen, you need to figure out what's your why. Some of you figured your why out in growth track already. Now you've discovered your why. Because if you don't figure out your why, or if you ever lose your why, you'll lose your way. And too many people have lost their why. And because you, and you thought your why was a dream house. And somehow life caused you to lose that dream house. And now you think that because you lost the dream house, your why is over with. No baby girl, baby man, your why is bigger than a house." [38:22]
4. "But we all got the position as ministers. And you know how, and even, even in our government. In particular in other nations, they use the words like the minister of defense. The minister of agriculture. See, we get so caught up in the church. I want to be called minister because they make me look good. No, do you know anything about defense? Do you know anything about agriculture? The thing is, we're all called to be ministers. Have I discovered my purpose and what I'm supposed to be ministering in? Even if it's not the pulpit. Come on somebody. You could be a school teacher and you're ministering. You could be a doctor and you're ministering. You could be a lawyer and you're ministering." [29:15]
5. "Then he switches it in the end and says, I will take you as my own people. It went from an individual to a people. And we call it here at Hope City, the dream team. Because we don't believe you should be doing life alone. Yes, you individually got gifts and talents locked up on the inside of you. He brought you out of your Egypt for a total different reason than he brought me out. Yes, we were all struggling with something. But what you were struggling with may be totally different for why I came out of Egypt. But when he ultimately gets done with all of us, he wants to bring us together, group us together as a people to make a difference." [20:42]
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