Set Apart: Embracing Purpose and Identity in Christ
Summary
In a gathering at Story Church Lubbock, Leighton Lockett shared a message focused on the theme of being "Set Apart" for a purpose, drawing from the biblical narrative of Moses. He began by discussing the importance of being faithful in the tasks we are given, even when they seem mundane or unimportant. Lockett highlighted that God often shows up and works through us when we are diligently carrying out our responsibilities, as seen in the story of Moses tending sheep before encountering the burning bush.
Lockett emphasized the significance of overcoming past mistakes and embracing the identity that Christ gives. He pointed out that our actions do not define us; rather, it is Christ's work in us that shapes our identity. This was supported by referencing Titus, which states that salvation comes not from our deeds but from God's mercy.
The message also touched on the concept of earnestly seeking God and the rewards that come with it. Lockett encouraged the congregation to engage with the Bible, to pray, and to be open to the Holy Spirit's leading. He stressed the importance of not being overwhelmed by the task of reading the Bible but instead taking it one day at a time and seeking to understand God's character through scripture.
Lockett shared personal stories, including his father's recent heart attack, to illustrate that life's challenges do not negate God's faithfulness. He reassured the congregation that God is in control, even in a fallen world where bad things happen. He also shared testimonies of the church's impact through giving, such as providing Bibles to new believers and helping individuals in need.
The message concluded with a call to action for the congregation to seek God earnestly and to be open to sharing words of encouragement with one another. Lockett invited the congregation to participate in a time of prayer and to listen for God's direction in their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Faithfulness in our daily tasks is a foundation for experiencing God's presence and intervention. Just as Moses was tending sheep when he encountered the burning bush, we too can expect God to show up in our ordinary lives when we are diligent and faithful. This encourages us to stay committed to our responsibilities, trusting that God values our obedience and will use it for His purposes. [40:17]
- Our identity is not defined by our past actions or mistakes but by Christ's work within us. This insight challenges us to shift our focus from our shortcomings to the righteousness we have in Jesus. It is a reminder that our worth and purpose are found in Him, and this understanding can liberate us from the weight of condemnation and empower us to live out our God-given identity. [47:03]
- Earnestly seeking God is not about finding a perfect church or being a perfect Christian; it's about pursuing a relationship with an unchanging God. This takeaway encourages us to prioritize our personal walk with God over the pursuit of ideal circumstances or flawless faith communities. It reminds us that spiritual growth and fulfillment come from an active and intentional pursuit of God's presence in our lives. [01:06:48]
- Overcoming reluctance and stepping out in faith can lead to transformative experiences. The story shared about encouraging his son to participate in activities despite fear serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. We are often called to step beyond our comfort zones, and when we do, we may discover joy and fulfillment that we would have otherwise missed. [49:57]
- The practice of sharing words of encouragement and prophecy within the community can strengthen and edify the body of believers. This practice is not about showcasing spiritual superiority but about allowing God to use us to uplift and affirm one another. It's a reminder that God can speak through us to provide comfort, guidance, and confirmation to our fellow believers. [01:13:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV)
> Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
2. Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)
> But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
3. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
> And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses doing when he encountered the burning bush, and how did he respond to it? (Exodus 3:1-4)
2. According to Titus 3:4-5, on what basis does God save us?
3. What does Hebrews 11:6 say is necessary to please God?
4. In the sermon, what personal story did Leighton Lockett share to illustrate God's faithfulness despite life's challenges? [33:07]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' encounter with the burning bush illustrate the importance of being faithful in our daily tasks? (Exodus 3:1-4)
2. What does Titus 3:4-5 teach us about our identity in Christ and how it is formed?
3. How can Hebrews 11:6 encourage us in our personal pursuit of God?
4. In the sermon, Lockett emphasized overcoming past mistakes. How does this align with the message in Titus 3:4-5? [47:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily tasks. How can you be more diligent and faithful in them, trusting that God values your obedience? [40:05]
2. Think about a past mistake that you have allowed to define you. How can you shift your focus to the identity that Christ gives you instead? [47:03]
3. What steps can you take this week to earnestly seek God, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone? [01:06:48]
4. How can you incorporate regular Bible reading and prayer into your daily routine to better understand God's character? [38:19]
5. Consider a time when you felt reluctant to step out in faith. What can you do to overcome that reluctance and trust in God's plan for you? [49:57]
6. How can you be more open to sharing words of encouragement and prophecy within your community? What practical steps can you take to start this practice? [01:13:05]
7. Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and control in this situation? [33:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Diligence Invites Divine Encounters
Faithfulness in the seemingly small or mundane tasks is a precursor to experiencing God's presence and intervention. Just as Moses was performing the ordinary task of tending sheep when he encountered the burning bush, individuals today can encounter God in the midst of their daily routines. This faithfulness is not overlooked but is often the very ground upon which God chooses to reveal Himself and His purposes. [40:17]
Exodus 3:1-4 - "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.'"
Reflection: What are the 'ordinary' tasks you are engaged in daily? How can you approach them with a sense of purpose and openness to God's presence?
Day 2: Identity Rooted in Christ's Work
One's true identity is not anchored in past actions or failures but is found in the transformative work of Christ. This perspective liberates individuals from the burden of past mistakes and empowers them to live out the new identity given to them through Jesus. It is a call to embrace the righteousness and purpose that come from being a new creation in Christ, rather than being defined by former shortcomings. [47:03]
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from past mistakes to the new identity you have in Christ today?
Day 3: Pursuing God Beyond Perfection
The essence of seeking God lies not in finding the perfect church or being a perfect Christian but in cultivating a deep and personal relationship with an unchanging God. This pursuit is about connecting with God's character and presence on a daily basis, rather than striving for an unattainable ideal of religious life or community. It is a journey of intentional engagement with God through prayer, scripture, and openness to the Holy Spirit. [01:06:48]
Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to deepen your personal relationship with God this week?
Day 4: Embracing Faith Beyond Fear
Stepping out in faith, despite fears and hesitations, can lead to profound personal transformation and joy. Just as encouraging someone to move beyond their comfort zone can result in unexpected fulfillment, so too can taking spiritual steps of faith lead to growth and deeper experiences with God. This act of courage is a testament to trusting God's guidance and the potential for new adventures in faith. [49:57]
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you've been hesitant to take, and how can you courageously move forward with it today?
Day 5: Encouragement Strengthens Community
The practice of sharing words of encouragement and prophecy within the community serves to build up and strengthen the collective faith. This spiritual exercise is not for self-aggrandizement but is a means through which God can work to comfort, guide, and affirm His people. It is a powerful way to demonstrate love and support, reflecting the heart of God through personal interactions. [01:13:05]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your community can you offer a word of encouragement to today, and what might you say?
Quotes
1) "The realization is a lot of us in this room know about God, but we don't know God. It's a huge difference." [50:40] (Download)
2) "We have to come to the realization we're not. But I know I am. I, little a, am not. But I know, capital I, capital A, I am." [53:39] (Download)
3) "He is I am. He is in control. He has not forgotten you. The very hairs on your head, the Bible says, are numbered." [54:41] (Download)
4) "If you are doing what you're called to do right now, faithfully, God is going to show up there." [40:17] (Download)
5) "Christ has made it right by dying on a cross for us. Christ has made it right by rising again and overcoming the grave on our behalf." [47:03] (Download)
6) "But when kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." [47:44] (Download)
7) "He rewards those who earnestly seek him. You're saying, God, I want more in this life. Earnestly seek him." [01:05:58] (Download)
8) "God, I just need you. He wants to have those times with you this year. He wants to have those times with you this week." [42:10] (Download)
9) "God said, I'm going to be with you. And just like God said to Moses, I'm going to be with you. He's telling you, hey, I'm going to be with you." [45:16] (Download)
10) "We have to overcome our fear. I am not ashamed of the gospel, Roman says. Paul Wright says, I'm not ashamed of the gospel." [01:00:21] (Download)
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