Mind the Gap: How to purposefully step into God’s calling.

Summary: Focusing on the pivotal moments in life where decisions can define our future, this theme emphasizes the role of good counsel and obedience during the teenage years. It highlights that God uses these formative years to prepare individuals for their unique callings through personal growth and steadfast commitment to His will.

Application: This sermon encourages teens to actively seek mentors and wise counsel in their lives, illustrating that their current choices can lead to God's calling. It empowers them to recognize their value in God's plan and encourages faithfulness in their daily actions, reinforcing the importance of their relationship with God throughout their journey into adulthood.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that being proactive in seeking wisdom and guidance is crucial for personal and spiritual development. It emphasizes that faithfulness in small things prepares individuals for larger responsibilities and reveals how obedience to God's voice can lead to clarity in one's calling.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ exemplifies the ultimate model of obedience and submission to God’s will, reinforcing that every believer is invited to follow Him in their own journeys. His commitment to serve and fulfill His calling inspires believers to trust God's plan for their lives, especially in pivotal moments of decision.

Big Idea: Your teenage years are more than just a transition; they are a divine preparation for your calling, calling for heartfelt obedience and the pursuit of wisdom through good counsel.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider examining James 1:5, which speaks about the necessity of asking for wisdom. Logos offers various commentaries that delve deeper into the nature of divine wisdom and its significance in the lives of young believers. Additionally, look for studies on the concept of calling within the life of Paul as a young man, which may provide a New Testament perspective on guidance and faithfulness.

1. Seek Guidance, Hear God

1 Samuel 3:1-10

You could highlight the importance of listening for God's voice, as illustrated by Samuel's encounter with God. Emphasize how even in his youth, Samuel's willingness to listen positioned him for divine purpose. Maybe suggest that young listeners, like Samuel, should be open to recognizing and obeying God's call, aided by the guidance of wise mentors, just as Eli guided Samuel. This underscores the sermon's theme: the vital role of counsel and obedience in preparing for one's calling.

2. Wisdom Walks With Counsel

Proverbs 11:14

Perhaps you could focus on the wisdom in seeking counsel. This verse suggests that having a supportive network allows one to make informed and God-aligned decisions. By surrounding themselves with wise advisors, teens can gain clarity and confidence in their paths. Use this to reinforce the sermon's big idea that during teenage years, which are formative yet challenging, relying on good counsel is a key step toward understanding and pursuing God's calling.

3. Faithfulness Forms Future

Luke 2:41-52

Maybe draw parallels between Jesus’ youth and the listening, learning, and faithfulness themes. Jesus’ actions, seeking understanding in the temple, illustrate faithfulness in small things leading toward God's greater purpose. This passage can inspire listeners by showing Jesus as a model for using their formative years wisely, with obedience to parents and God taking precedence. This ties back to the sermon’s emphasis on using teenage years for divine preparation.