Sacred Threads…. Part 3
Speaker: Pastor Pierre Du Plessis
Scripture References: Genesis 39:21, 41:46, 50:20; Psalms 139:13-16
Sermon Recap:
Many people wonder why they are here. The world says we find significance in status or what we accumulate. But those things are not the basis for significance from God’s perspective. One’s life, as an individual thread, is fragile and incomplete. Only when it is woven into a greater whole does it gain strength, purpose and meaning. For we all have a purpose or reason for existing, and as we come to understand our purpose, it gives direction for our role in the larger context of the world. All the stages of our lives were spread out before God, and all the days of our lives were prepared even before we lived one day. Like an open book, God watched us grow from conception to birth. Although He is not the author of every experience or situation in our lives, He is fully able to turn every situation and experience into good. We only understand life from a human perspective, but God works on a timeline of eternity.
Everything that has happened in our lives, whether fair or unfair, good or bad, consequential or inconsequential is part of a narrative that God can weave together for His purposes. We all have a story, filled with experiences, struggles and triumphs. God takes what was meant to destroy us and weaves it into faith. Our experiences, the lessons we have learned along the way, the obstacles we have overcome and the values instilled in us serve as stepping stones towards our greater calling and points us to our purpose. Through them, God builds something in us. No matter what we go through, it is part of why we were created. And when we look back and reflect on our journey, we can see a tapestry woven with meaning guiding us towards a future where we can live with intention, impact and a deep sense of fulfillment. From God’s perspective, our purpose is to worship Him and to participate as co-workers with Him to introduce the world to the Kingdom of Heaven; and to enjoy, hope for, pray for and work towards God’s shalom.
Discussion Questions:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. If someone asked you to explain your purpose in life, what would you say?
3. Read Psalm 139:1-16. In your own words, explain what this passage says to you.
4. Reflect on your own life. What are some of the experiences that have led you to where you are today? What lessons did you learn along the way? What did God build in you as a result of your experiences? How have your experiences shaped your identity?
5. Shalom means peace, but much more than the absence of war or conflict. It is the wholeness that the entire human race seeks and also means completeness, welfare, soundness, prosperity, harmony, safety, fullness and tranquility. How can we work towards God’s shalom?
6. Do you see yourself as co-working with God? If so, in what ways?
7. Read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37: 1-36, 39:1-22, 41: 1-8, 14-45. What were some of Joseph’s good experiences? What were some of his struggles? What are some things that Joseph may have learned along the way? How did his experiences lead him to his purpose as the savior of Jesus’ bloodline?