Sermon Notes

Date:  Sunday, July 7th, 2025
Speaker:  Pastor Lynton Turkington
Topic: Elevate - Part 3 - Accepting God's Call to Your Next Level
Questions to ask and answer before you move to the next level.
 
The first question to be answered, is the Why question.
 
I.  Why did God want me on this Earth?
A. To Glorify Him (Worship)
Isaiah 43:7 (NKJV)
“Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory
”
B. To have a Relationship with Him (Fellowship)
Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground
”
Genesis 3:8
“And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day
”
C. To Reflect His Image (Christ-like) 
Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
D. To Rule and Steward the Earth (Dominion)
Genesis 1:28 (NKJV)
“
God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion 
”
E. To be Part of God‘s Redemptive Story (Testimony)
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...”
F. To Enjoy God Forever (Live)
John 17:3 (NKJV)
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
God wants everyone to be saved. 
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Salvation is God’s will for us all. 
What does God want for us after Salvation?
Purpose! 
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
Season 
- The Hebrew word is zemān which means appointed time, a fixed or designated period, occasion or due time. A window of time appropriate for a specific event.
This word emphasizes timing that is deliberate or appropriate, not random. It reflects that life events unfold within God’s designed framework.
Life is composed of God–ordained seasons distinct periods or windows in which specific things are meant to happen.
Time
-    The Hebrew word here is ĂȘt. In the Greek there are 2 words for time. 
Chronos - Chronological or measured time
Kairos - Appointed or opportune time
Both ĂȘt and Kairos refer to appointed, appropriate, or fitting times.
Both imply divine timing or seasonal purpose, not just the passing of minutes.
Purpose
- The Hebrew word is Chephets (KHEH-fets) meaning delight, pleasure, desire, that which one takes delight in or has a will towards. Something done intentionally or with purpose.
- A deliberate, desired and meaningful reason for something – a divinely willed, outcome or moment.
 So Solomon is saying in this verse that there is an appointed occasion, an opportune time for everything, and each of these moments carries valued intent – not just randomness.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
The 2 trees in the Garden of Eden 
-   Tree of Life 
-   Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil 
Genesis 3:22 (NKJV)
“Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"—
Sometimes we try to decide our own course, instead of discovering our God ordained destiny.
 
1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Whatever is born of God overcomes, whatever isn't, doesn't.
What God births, He blesses
What He ordains, overcomes
What He purposes, prospers
What He sanctions, succeeds  
What God allows, He anoints 
What He Inspires, He ignites
What He hopes, He helps
What He speaks, He supplies  
What God favors, flourishes
What He prefers, prevails
What He advocates, advances
What God declares, He delivers
Find out what God is blessing and connect with it
Ephesians 2:10 (Amp) for we are God's own handiwork (his workmanship), re-created in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God pre-destined (planned before hand) for us, (taking paths which he prepared and ahead of time) that we should walk in them-living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to live.
God has established the path.
David did not have to compete with Saul for the anointing.  It was his (before place) destiny.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Steps to Discover your Purpose
1.      Start with Surrender
Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV)
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Practical Step: Pray daily, “Lord, not, my will, but yours be done. I surrender every part of me to you.”
2.      Search the Scriptures.
Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Practical Step: Develop a habit of Bible reading and ask, “What is God saying to me through this passage?“
3.      Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance.
John 16:13 (NKJV)
“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)
“Write the vision and make it plain
”
Practical Step: Spend time in prayer and meditative silence, write down what you sense God is prompting you to do.
4.      Pay Attention to Passion and Gifting.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
Psalms 37:4 (NKJV)
“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
Practical Step: Reflect on your talents, passions, and burdens. Ask trusted people, “What do you see in me?“
5.      Do Something
James 2:17 (ESV)
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Practical Step: Act on what you know now. Serve where you are. Be faithful in the small things.
6.      Look for Fruit and Results.
Matthew 7:16 (ESV)
“You will recognize them by their fruits.”
Revelation 3:8 (NKJV)
"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door
”
Practical Step: Evaluate: Is this bearing good fruit? Are doors opening or closing? Am I seeing confirmation?
7.      Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Practical Step: Share your journey with a Pastor, spiritual mentor or mature believer. Invite honest feedback.
Finding God‘s purpose is not a one time discovery, but rather a daily walk. As you live in surrender, stay in his Word, listen to his Spirit, and take steps of faith, you grow into your purpose, not just find it.
You don’t need to chase purpose, but rather chase God and purpose will find you. 
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”