Sermon: "Who Am I and What Can God Have Me Do?"
Opening Declaration
Let's begin by holding up our Bibles and declaring together:
"This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the Word of God.
The indestructible, never-ending, living Word of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen."
Before you sit down, turn to your neighbor and say, "Good morning, brother/sister!"
Introduction
Good morning, church! Today, we are embarking on a journey to explore two fundamental questions that shape our lives as Christians: "Who am I?" and "What can God have me do?"
Understanding our identity in Christ and recognizing the unique purposes God has for us are crucial to living a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Who Am I?
To understand who we are, we must start with our identity in Christ. The Bible provides clear and powerful truths about our identity as believers.
Children of God:
John 1:12 tells us, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
We are not defined by our past, our failures, or our achievements. We are defined by our relationship with God. As His children, we are loved, accepted, and valued.
New Creation:
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
When we accept Christ, we are transformed. Our old identity, marked by sin and brokenness, is replaced with a new identity in Christ. We are made new, whole, and free.
Chosen and Holy:
1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
We are chosen by God, set apart for His purposes. We are His treasured possession, called to live lives that reflect His holiness and grace.
More Than Conquerors:
Romans 8:37 affirms, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." In Christ, we are not just survivors; we are overcomers.
We have victory over sin, fear, and every challenge we face because of His love and power at work within us.
Encouraging Story
To illustrate these truths, I want to share an inspiring story of a man named Nick Vujicic.
Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. Growing up, he faced immense challenges and bullying, leading him to struggle with depression and feelings of worthlessness. But at the age of 15, he read John 9:3, where Jesus says, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This verse transformed Nick's perspective. He realized that his life had a purpose, and that God could use him despite his physical limitations.
Nick embraced his identity in Christ. He recognized that he was a beloved child of God, created with a purpose. Today, Nick Vujicic is a world-renowned motivational speaker and evangelist. He has traveled to over 70 countries, sharing the message of hope and the love of Christ with millions of people. Through his life and ministry, Nick has shown that God can use anyone to make a significant impact, regardless of their circumstances.
Nick's story is a powerful reminder that our identity in Christ and our willingness to be used by God can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. Just like Nick, we can trust that God has a unique and meaningful purpose for each of us.
What Can God Have Me Do?
Understanding our identity in Christ naturally leads to the question of our purpose.
What does God want us to do with our lives? Here are several key aspects of our calling as Christians:
Love God and Love Others:
Jesus summarized the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-39: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Our primary purpose is to love God passionately and to extend that love to others. This love should be the foundation of everything we do.
Make Disciples:
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands us, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
We are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to help others grow in their faith. This can be through evangelism, teaching, mentoring, or simply living out our faith authentically.
Serve with Our Gifts:
1 Peter 4:10 encourages us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
God has given each of us unique talents, skills, and spiritual gifts. Whether it's teaching, hospitality, administration, or encouragement, we are called to use these gifts to serve the body of Christ and the world around us.
Live Righteously:
Micah 6:8 reminds us, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
We are called to live lives marked by justice, mercy, and humility. Our actions should reflect God's character and bring glory to His name.
Be a Light:
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
We are called to shine the light of Christ in a dark world, through our words, actions, and attitudes.
Conclusion
Understanding who we are in Christ and what God has called us to do transforms our lives. We are children of God, new creations, chosen and holy, and more than conquerors. We are called to love God and others, make disciples, serve with our gifts, live righteously, and be a light in the world.
Altar Call
As we reflect on these truths, I want to extend an invitation to anyone who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Today is the day of salvation. If you feel God calling you to embrace your identity as His child and to step into the purpose He has for you, I invite you to come forward.
Perhaps you are already a believer, but you feel a stirring in your heart to rededicate your life to Christ or to seek His guidance in a specific area. The altar is open for you as well.
Let us come before God with open hearts, ready to receive His love and to commit our lives to His service.
Prayer for Salvation:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again, granting me forgiveness and new life. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, transform me, and help me to live for You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer of Rededication:
Lord, I thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. Today, I rededicate my life to You. Guide my steps, fill me with Your Spirit, and use me for Your glory. Help me to live out my identity in Christ and to fulfill the purposes You have for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth of who we are in Christ and for the purposes You have for our lives. Help us to live out our identity as Your children and to fulfill the callings You have placed on each of us. Empower us with Your Spirit to love, serve, and shine Your light in this world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Closing Declaration:
As we go forth, remember our declaration: "I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be. I will never be the same. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go in peace, brothers and sisters, and may God bless you abundantly!
