Set Apart

Sermon Title: Set Apart - Developing Maturity Big Idea: Personal limitations do not invalidate divine purpose; God turns your perceived insecurities into the platform for His power. Primary Texts: Jeremiah 1:5b–8; Jeremiah 18:1–6. _____________________________________________________

Intro:

Before we jump into part 2 of our series Named and Known, let me give you a quick recap of last week’s message.

We looked at the first of our three core values, Reveal Identity. The aim was to learn how we find our identity in Christ. The world uses performance and external achievements, but we learned that God has a blueprint for our lives.

God begins to build us from the inside out by three things. The Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and your willing cooperation. God draws the plans, but it is our decision on whether we will build what is on the plans.

If we choose to build, we will have the help of the Holy Spirit. As we read the Word, He will guide us to the truth by taking what is in the Word and helping us apply it to our lives. When we respond in obedience to the Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we begin to change, and our identity is formed in Christ.

The cool part is that we won’t have to try to be a Christian; it is simply the natural byproduct of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we read the Word and do what it says, He purifies and changes us.

This process is what I want to talk with you about tonight.

As we begin, let’s start by looking again at Jeremiah 1:4–5 “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you (set you apart); I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

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Submit:

First, God knows us and has a blueprint for our lives. Second, God calls us to be set apart.

What does that mean? When we say yes to Jesus as Lord of our lives, we are saying, "I am no longer my own; I belong to God" (Identity) . 1 Corinthians 6:20.

This is what we would call consecration. Consecration means you’re saying, “I belong to God now, and I’m going to serve Him.”

1 Corinthians 6:20 “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

After we say yes, there is a process of transformation (inner change) that takes place as we study and live out what we learn from the Word of God. There is another word for this called Sanctification which means God is cleaning you up from the inside (like medicine healing you). Romans 12:1-2.

Romans 12:1–2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Consecration). And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Transformation).”

These may seem too hard or out of reach, but here is the good part. Age is not the determining factor of maturity in the kingdom of God. Young people can act very wise, and older people can still act childish. True maturity comes from listening to God and obeying Him.

God looks at your heart, not the number on your birthday cake. The key is obeying Him, which is about doing what He is asking you to do right now. How do we know what he wants us to do? Spend time with Him in the Word.

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Apply:

Let me explain:

Practice and the Master Blueprint "How many of you draw, paint, do robotics, play sports, dance, do gymnastics, or play an instrument? Did you know everything on Day 1?"

The obvious answer is no. None of us know everything. It takes practice, consistency, and a coach to grow in skills and understanding.

Spiritual growth and the process of maturing work the same way. God gives us His Word; and we have to be consistent to reading and applying it, and we need “coaches” pastors, leaders, etc. . to help us understand along the way. God uses these things to shape our life and help us to become who He has created us to be.

There is another picture God gives Jeremiah in Jeremiah 18:1–6. (The Potter’s House)

Jeremiah 18:1-6 “The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!”

This passage says the clay was marred. That means it had a defect. Did the potter throw out the clay? No. He removed the defect and remolded the clay. God said, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand.

How cool is that? We can feel disqualified sometimes and think How could God use me? The reality of growth and spiritual maturity is simply letting God mold and shape you as you spend time with Him.

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Closing:

The process of maturity is not about perfection.

Interview: (Ask Addison and Peighton to come up - bring three stools from the kitchen area.)

Both of these two are seniors this year, but I have also watched them mature over the last several years in their walk with Jesus.

If there is one thing you could point to that has helped you in your walk with Jesus, what would it be?

How has reading the bible impacted your life?

How does God use what you read in your day-to-day life?

What have been the struggles you have faced to live for Jesus, and how have you worked through them?

Once one piece of advice you would give to someone who is just starting in their journey with Jesus?

Developing maturity is about consistency over time, not being perfect. The last thing I want you to understand tonight is this. When we say yes to Jesus, He, as the potter, has power over the design of the clay. He is the master builder with the blueprint.

The process of formation is to prepare us to be used by Him in our lives and to live faithfully for Him for a lifetime. Our aim is to willfully cooperate with Him as He builds our lives. We don’t have to be afraid of the process because He has our best interests in mind, and He loves us.

Your identity isn’t something you earn, discover through self-help, or build through social media. God says, “I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (Isa 43:1). You belong to God, and He chose you intentionally. That’s where identity actually begins.

Let’s Pray!

Salvation. it all begins with surrender.

Lord help us to walk faithfully before you and commit to growing in you.

Dimiss to Huddles.