SERMON NOTES

Uncharted Calling | Uncharted | Week 1
Pastor Dave Pretlove

Genesis 12:1-5 NIV

When we are called into the uncharted …

1. It often seems terrifying or impossible at first.
2. God is inviting us into transformation.
3. We are given a chance to join in on God’s story.
4. A response is required.

 

GROUP QUESTIONS

Find this week’s teaching and testimony video here.

1. 1. What are some “uncharted” journeys you’ve found yourself on?
   2. What impacted you the most about Abraham’s story this week?
   3. Where do you find yourself as we begin this uncharted journey? 
   4. Read John 17:13-19 together. Abraham was called to be set apart from the culture around him. In John 17, Jesus is praying that his disciples would be set apart. What similarities or differences do you see between Abraham’s story in Genesis 12 and Jesus’ prayer in John 17?
   5. Where do you normally look to find stability in your path or security for tomorrow? Is it family, friends, money, your career, or your own abilities?
   6. God is calling you to be different from what the world says is normal. What is one thing you can do this week to live in the power of that call?

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.”
John 17:13-19 NLT

 

RESOURCES

Article | “How God’s Grace Frees Us To Take A Risk” by Dan Bush and Logos
“The gospel does deal with guilt, but at a deeper level. It’s liberating us from fear. And it’s doing so for one wild and crazy reason: so that we will be willing to risk trusting him.”

 

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY

This week, try the spiritual practice of self-examination. Ask God to search you (Reference Psalm 139) as you review the day you’re beginning (or ending, if you prefer to do this at night). Where were you most aware of God’s presence? Where did you lose focus on the goodness and work of God? Where did it feel like God was absent? When did you allow culture to influence you? Bring all of these things to God in prayer.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

As we follow God into this uncharted calling, it’s essential to remember that we are blessed to be a blessing. We reap so that we can sow. We receive so that we can release. 

Through this series, we’ll be releasing and entrusting things back to God. We may be releasing fear, anxiety, greed, or bitterness. It’s important that we pray Psalm 139:23-24 and allow the Holy Spirit to search us, test us, and lead us into his way and his path. As you embark on this journey, ask the Lord what he’s wanting you to release and hand over to him. 

Since we serve a good Father who desires to give his children good gifts, I believe that as you release things, he may also have something to give you in return. When we open our clenched fists, we make room for the new blessings or truths God has in store for us. 

As we release bitterness, maybe he gives love. As we release performance, perhaps he gives us true rest. As we release envy, maybe he brings contentment.

During this first week, what do you sense God is prompting you to release? When you talk to him about what you’re surrendering and releasing, ask him, “Jesus, what are you giving back to me?” Pay attention to any emotions, words, or images in your mind’s eye that come up for you. Maybe write them down and continue to ask the Lord about them as we go through this Uncharted series. May we be people who receive so that we can release. 

Blessings,
Lydia Long