Chosen for a Purpose

Text: John 15:16 (ESV)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Introduction

    •    Many people strive for success, recognition, and purpose, but Jesus reminds us that our calling is not self-initiated—it is divine.

    •    This verse reveals three key aspects of our calling: Election, Mission, and Provision.

Chosen by God

   “You did not choose me, but I chose you…”

    •    Our calling is not based on our merit but on God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    •    Biblical examples of God choosing unlikely people (Moses, David, Paul).

    •    Being chosen means we have a divine purpose, not an optional role.

Illustration: Imagine being picked for a championship team—not because of skill, but because the coach sees something greater in you.

Application: Rest in the confidence that God has chosen you, even when you feel unqualified.

Appointed for a Purpose

*We have a MISSION given by God Himself, BEAR FRUIT

“…and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”

The call is not just to belong but to be productive in the kingdom.

No fruit = He removes

Produce fruit = He prunes

Remain in Jesus = Much Fruit

No Fruit, bear fruit, more fruit, much fruit

*God calls us to be fruitful

Bearing fruit or being fruitful:

Matthew 3:8 True repentance, produce fruit...

Matthew 7:16-20 Spiritual Authenticity, know a tree by its fruit...

Romans 1:13 Winning Converts to Christ, producing fruit...

Romans 6:22 Fruit leads to Growing in Holiness

Colossians 1:6 Spiritual & numerical growth of the church

Colossians 1:10: Bearing fruit in every good work

Hebrews 13:15: Our sacrifice of praise = Fruit of our lips

    •    What does fruit look like?

    •    Character (Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Spirit)

    •    Impact (Sharing the Gospel, serving others)

    •    We are sent (“go and bear fruit”)—our faith must move beyond the church walls.

*GOD PLANTS US - Where we are is intentional

*“Where God’s finger points, His hand protects”

*God uses fertilizer

*GOD PRUNES US -Clips away dead or dying branches

*Makes us completely reliant on Him

*JESUS IS THE CENTER - He is the true vine...

-We must stay connected to Jesus in order to produce anything

-When we disconnect from Jesus, we become useless

Illustration: Plant with leaves fallen in the pot...

*The only way to get to God is through Jesus

Application: Evaluate your life—are you bearing fruit for God’s kingdom?

Equipped with Divine Resources

*God grants us His Provision

“…so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

    •    God provides the strength, wisdom, and resources to accomplish His will.

    •    Prayer aligns us with God’s purpose, not just our desires (1 John 5:14-15).

    •    When we abide in Christ, we have access to divine provision (John 15:5).

*Jesus is the source of the Master’s power

Illustration: A power tool is useless unless it’s plugged into a power source—our source is Christ.

-Without Jesus, we cannot do anything.

Don’t forget that we are just branches, Jesus is the true vine.

Stay connected to the vine (John 15:5)

Abide = Remain & Continue

Abide in His Word (John 15:7)

Abide in His Love (John 15:9)

Abide in His Joy (John 15:11)

Application: Big brother putting his foot on the scale

Conclusion

You have been Chosen, Appointed, and Empowered for a purpose.

    •    Are you walking in the calling God has placed on your life?

    •    Commit today to bearing fruit that will last for His glory.

Closing Challenge:

    •    Pray for a deeper awareness of your calling.

    •    Seek ways to bear lasting fruit this week.

    •    Depend on God’s provision through prayer and obedience.