Series: Made For This
Sermon Title: Made For A Purpose
Passage: Genesis 1:26-28

Reno Campus
Pastor: Dave Pretleove

Carson Campus
Pastor Dusty Braun

Campus Announcements / Service Moments

Reno Campus

Baby Dedication Class

Carson Campus

Baby Dedication Class

Series: Made For This
Sermon Title: Made For A Purpose
Passage: Genesis 1:26-28

SERMON POINTS: 

• We were created to work, cultivate and contribute. Genesis 1:26-28
  Genesis 2:15
  Genesis 3:17-19

• Some people value work far too little.

• Some people Value work far too much.
  Genesis 4:17-26
• The “way,” the “why,” and the “for who” matters far more than the “what”.
  Colossians  3:23-24

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Genesis 1:28 speaks of “filling the earth and subduing it.” What does this reveal about God’s intentions for humanity’s role in His creation? How does this challenge or affirm your current view of work?

• How does seeing work as part of God’s creation change your perspective on it?
• God left creation with “untapped potential” for us to cultivate. How can this understanding of work reshape the way you approach tasks, whether big or small?
  • Reflect on Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:15

• How has sin impacted the nature of work?

• Read Genesis 3:17-19. In what ways do you see the “thorns and thistles” of sin making work more difficult in your life or culture? How can the gospel transform your view of these struggles?

• How can laziness or a poor attitude hinder God’s purpose in your work?

• Read Proverbs 10:4 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10. How does laziness or a lack of intentionality in your work affect your relationship with God, others, and your purpose?

• How do you distinguish between worshiping your work and making work an act of worship?

• The Hebrew word “abad,” meaning both work and worship, ties the two concepts together. What signs might indicate that you are finding your identity, status, or security in your work rather than in God?

• Genesis 4:17-26 contrasts the descendants of Cain, who focused on their work and accomplishments, with the descendants of Seth, who prioritized their relationship with God. Where do you see yourself in this tension?
  
  • Reflect on Matthew 6:33 Can you identify a time when you treated your work as sacred or as an act of worship? What was different about that experience compared to times when you didn’t?

• How does your “why” and “for who” influence your work?

• Reflect on the motivations behind your work. Are you driven by money, status, or fear, or do you see your work as a way to glorify God? How can shifting your focus impact your fulfillment and purpose?
  • Reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What is God’s purpose for my work?

• Read: Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

• Reflection: How does the work I do reflect God’s call to cultivate, create, or steward His creation?

• A practical step to take: Identify one way your current work can better align with God’s purpose, such as fostering excellence, integrity, or serving others.

Do I view my work as worship or as a source of identity?

• Read: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

• Reflection: In what ways have I allowed my work to define my worth, status, or security?

• A practical step to take:  Choose one habit (e.g., starting your day in prayer) to help shift your focus toward glorifying God in your work.

How can I integrate my faith into my daily work routine?

• Read: Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

• Reflection: Are there parts of my workday where I feel disconnected from God? How can I invite Him into those moments?

• A practical step to take:  Dedicate a specific time during your workday (e.g., lunch break or a commute) to pray or reflect on God’s presence in your tasks.

How does my work serve others and reflect God’s love?

• Read: Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

• Reflection: How does my work impact others, and how can I ensure it reflects God’s love and care?

• A practical step to take: Find one tangible way to serve or bless a colleague, customer, or client this week, demonstrating Christ’s love through your actions.

What steps can I take to trust God with my work and its outcomes?

• Read: Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

• Reflection: Are there areas of anxiety or control in my work where I struggle to trust God?

• A practical step to take: Surrender one specific area of your work (e.g., a challenging project or decision) to God through prayer, asking for His guidance and peace.

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Genesis 1:28 
• Genesis 2:15 
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 
• Colossians 3:23-24
• Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

 

RESOURCES:

• BOOK | DANIEL IM | YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO AND 6 OTHERS LIES ABOUT WORK
• BOOK | JOHN MARK COMER | GARDEN CITY: WORK, REST, and the ART OF BEING HUMAN
• PODCAST | TIM KELLER | 4 WAYS THE GOSPEL TRANSFORMS WORK
• PODCAST | MATT HARMON | OUR IDENTITY AS SERVANTS

Spiritual Discipline Practice: Longing For More

Longing for More: An Invitation to Deepen Your Relationship with God

 

Have you ever felt like your spiritual life is parched, like you’re wandering through a desert longing for refreshment? This dryness is not a sign of God’s absence but an invitation to press deeper into Him. God is living water, and our dry spirit often signals a need for transformation—whether internal, external, or both.

God’s desire is for us to be wholly devoted to Him, shedding anything that hinders our connection. He always responds when we initiate drawing close to Him. As Brother Lawrence beautifully expressed, “God will not permit Christians who desire to be devoted wholly and entirely to Him to take any pleasures except the pleasure of Him alone.”

In this pursuit, doubts and fears may rise to block our way. Yet, these moments of resistance are opportunities to choose faith over hesitation, to embrace our longing for more of Jesus and less of ourselves. The Gospel of John reminds us, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

Developing spiritual disciplines is essential to foster this inner desire for God. It is impossible to love someone we do not know. To love God more, we must know Him more. This requires intentional practices that open our hearts to His presence and allow Him to shape our lives.

Step-by-Step Practice to Reflect and Invite the Holy Spirit

1. Recognize the Longing

• Pause and acknowledge your spiritual dryness. Name the emotions—whether they are apathy, frustration, or yearning.

• Pray: “Lord, I feel spiritually dry, yet I know You are my living water. Help me to recognize this longing as Your invitation to draw closer.”

2. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

• Spend time reading and meditating on Scripture that speaks of God’s presence and faithfulness, such as John 7:37-38 or Psalm 63:1-4.

• Consider: How has God met you in the past? How has He provided, comforted, or guided you?

3. Invite the Holy Spirit to Reveal Obstacles

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what might be standing in the way of deeper intimacy.

• Reflect on questions like:

• Are there areas of sin, fear, or doubt that need to be surrendered?

• Am I distracted by busyness or misplaced priorities?

• Is my heart hardened by unresolved hurt or unmet expectations?

• Pray: “Holy Spirit, search me and know me. Reveal anything that hinders my connection with You.”

4. Surrender the Barriers

• Once the Holy Spirit brings obstacles to mind, release them to God. Confess sins, let go of fears, and relinquish control.

• Pray: “Lord, I surrender these barriers to You. Replace my fears with faith, my doubts with trust, and my distractions with a hunger for You.”

5. Engage in Practices that Foster Intimacy

• Begin to incorporate spiritual disciplines that nurture your relationship with God. Examples include:

• Prayer: Spend time in heartfelt conversation with God, sharing your thoughts and listening for His voice.

• Scripture: Deepen your understanding of God through consistent Bible reading and meditation.

• Worship: Praise God for His greatness, focusing on His character and faithfulness.

• Silence and Solitude: Create space to simply be with God, free from distractions.

• Pray: “Jesus, I desire to know You more. Lead me in ways that draw me into Your presence daily.”

6. Rest in God’s Love

• Finally, trust in God’s unchanging love for you. Even in moments of dryness or struggle, He is present and working in your life.

• Pray: “Lord, thank You for loving me as I am and for drawing me closer to You. Help me to rest in Your presence and trust Your timing.”

Longing for more of God is a sign of His Spirit at work in you. He stirs that desire because He wants to draw you deeper into His love and transform you into His likeness. Accept this invitation with courage, knowing that as you seek Him, He will meet you with abundant grace.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: 

From the very beginning, God created you with a purpose. Genesis 1:26-28 shows us that we were made in His image, designed to reflect His creativity and care. Work wasn’t meant to be a grind; it was meant to be a gift—a way to partner with God in cultivating His creation. But let’s be real, sin made work harder. Some of us feel stuck, undervaluing work as just a paycheck, while others might overvalue it, tying our whole identity to what we do. Neither of these paths leads to what God intended for us.

Here’s the truth: all work can become worship when it’s done with the right heart. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to work for the Lord, not just for people. That perspective changes everything. It’s not about the title you hold or the paycheck you bring home—it’s about how you show up, why you’re doing it, and who you’re doing it for. When we shift our mindset to see our work as an offering to God, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and we start to feel His joy in what we do.

Don’t let the search for meaning in your work or family overwhelm you. Your identity isn’t in your job, your productivity, or even your role in your family. It’s in your relationship with God. Like the descendants of Seth, who were known for walking with God, let everything you do flow out of that connection. Whether you’re changing diapers, managing projects, or serving your neighbors, give it to God. He made you for a purpose—to reflect His goodness and bring His presence into every corner of your life.

Robert Hans |  Spiritual Formation and Connection Pastor