Made for More (Intro)

Introduction

Am I positioned correctly, doing what I’m designed to do, and producing the fruit intended by my Creator?

AM I LIVING IN HIS SWEET SPOT FOR MY LIFE? Elements of a sweet spot (ball bat, tennis racket, etc).

Who am I created to Be - Identity/Design

What am I made to Do - Mission/Purpose

Position Where am I supposed to do it? Go - Mission Field/Position

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 ESV

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

A matter of calling (define)

Calling typically for leaders. Not true.

Kaleo (call; called) - call, naming, summon; calling people to salvation, to a person or place

We do not choose God, he chooses us.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

You are made by God for God for important work.

To discover what that is, we’re going to look at 3 of the most important questions of life:

Who am I created to be?

What am I created to do?

Where am I created to do it (go)?

Who am I Created to Be?

Primary Calling: Relationship with Jesus

Circumcision Metaphor (Identity)

memeriken (assigned): our God given gifts to each of us. God has given some gift to each of us.

We are uniquely made

Becoming a Christian means bringing what one is into the service of God

Not vocation to which we are called but of the condition in which we are called when Jesus says follow me.

We Don’t Have to Become something or someone else

Most important thing is to be His

Primary calling question: What did you do with Jesus? Poured in

Calling is having the fulness of Jesus in us and overflowing our carrying that fulness to others (making disciples where we are).

What am I Created to Do?

Secondary Calling: Serve Jesus

In Christ

Poured out

As part of his church/ekklesia

Calling is for everyone in the church (the called out ones).

Each one is gifted…discovering your giftedness

To do good works

Ephesians 1:22-23: Purpose of the church is to take the fulness of Jesus to every part of society.

Unique equipping/secondary calling: to play our unique role in carrying the fulness of Jesus into society.

Secondary calling question:

What did you do with what Jesus gave you to work with?

Where am I Created to Go?

Marriage and Slave Metaphors

Is there something out there I’m not experiencing?

Done it all but driven and feel like you’ve not accomplished something. Next thing to next thing and never experienced what God has for you. Success never satisifies itself.

Restlessness is often rooted in success.

How can you say no to...

From a success scorecard to a kingdom scorecard

Kingdom priorities

All of life is spiritual

Conversion is not a sign to change things

Live contentedly in whatever state God has set us

Present circumstances - Romans 2:25-29. Our identity is a matter of the heart; by the Spirit, not by anything else.

Gal 5:1-6 - What counts: Faith working through love

Live Abundant/Full Life

John 10:10 ESV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Have life - take hold of an abundant life

Who would say: That’s me! All the time.

Restless discontent - Not functioning in sweet spot = restless discontent.

C. S. Lewis: unfulfilled eternal longings. Made for something more...need to discover it.

Made for a life aligned with the stream of God’s calling...that is when life is full.

Can hit the ball, but need to adjust to hit the sweet spot.

22 - Freedom can be experienced anywhere when we are called to be in Christ.

Our whole lives are to be lived to serve Jesus anywhere at any time.

Doesn't mean we won't move, change, etc as calling changes over time. God will do that, we don't have to force it.

When we try to be what we're not and chase what we're not given, cannot become our authentic selves and fulfill the calling God has placed in us.

Life Life to its fullest: Serve God where we are until he calls us elsewhere

Stay in the relationships, situation when you received your call. Start there.

If you can grow, learn, take those opportunities. You're not stuck.

Don't wish you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.

Gifts and calling in the state we are in and we should live the life before us, using the gifts God has given = effective

remain now and in the future

God will give us grace to live in the situation he has called us unless and until something changes (if you can become free...)

Your situation in life is not of first importance. If you are stuck, don't worry. If you can get unstuck, make the most of it. Your relationship with Jesus matters most.

Don’t have to become something or someone else

Cautions

Caution: Don’t look at this as all about me - I want to be fulfilled. All about my calling.

Always about loving God, loving other people. Doing the work of the kingdom.

Is unique but not individualistic.

Important thing is obeying God's call, being his.

What’s Next?

Parable of the talents

Didn’t give clarity

Be faithful

Part of the Discovery of the kind of church God is calling us to become - an outflow from our Sacred Pause

This week you’ll receive:

30 Day Devotional

Information on weekly online discussions

Talking with Life Group Leaders this week