Sacred Threads…Part 4
Speaker: Pastor Pierre Du Plessis
Scripture References: Psalms 139:13-16; Proverbs 23:7; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:8
Sermon Recap:
We are not meant to be disconnected isolated threads, but instead are to be a part of a greater whole that is designed to use our gifts to partner with God in this world. We have purpose and a reason for existing, and as we come to understand our purpose, it gives us direction for our role in the larger context of the world. We all have a story, which is more than a collection of memories, but is a powerful force that shapes our identity and prepares us for the challenges ahead. Our stories matter because our existence matters to God. The first part of our story is that of our existence. This refers to who we were born to, how we were raised and other inherent qualities that we did not choose. We have come from different backgrounds, cultures, families and races and not everyone’s story of existence is pretty. Despite these inherited limits, we still have free will and a remarkable degree of freedom in behaviorally sculpting our lives through relationships, decisions and actions.
The story of our experiences has to do with all the life experiences we go through. Some are unexpected, some may have been unfair, others may have been painful as we have been mistreated. We are reminded that we live in a fallen world that is evil and has an enemy always seeking someone to devour. Sometimes we tell ourselves stories about ourselves based on how we see ourselves. Often our thoughts of ourselves are negative, for example that we are a victim, or that we are not enough. We must realize that we are a product of what we tell ourselves, and that we need not stay in that state. The lessons learned, struggles and triumphs in our lives contribute to the unfolding narrative of who we are becoming. When going through life, we cannot see it, but when we reflect back on our journey, we see a tapestry woven with meaning guiding us toward a future that is the “why” of our existence. Our lives are like clay that God is molding and shaping towards His vision of what we can become. God is not the author of every experience we have but, He is able to orchestrate everything to work towards something good and beautiful if we accept His invitation and live according to His plan.
Discussion Questions:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. Share the story of your existence and how your inherited qualities of race, culture, socioeconomic status and upbringing affected your life or your thoughts about life.
3. What are some things you have told yourself about yourself? Where do you think these thoughts came from? How do they compare to Psalm 139: 13-16?
4. Read Romans 8:28. If you have a study Bible or commentary, review the notes for this verse. Then explain it in your own words.
5. If God is molding and shaping our lives, why do you think we sometimes experience bad things?
6. It was said, “As a man thinks, so is he.” Why are our thoughts important? How do our thoughts relate to our behavior?
7. What are things that can stand in the way of us understanding and even living out our God-given purposes?