Summary

In this sermon, Kent explores what it means to be the "called out ones" (ekklesia) by diving into 1 Corinthians 12. Using a vivid story from a visit to a Hare Krishna temple, he illustrates the emptiness of idol worship and contrasts it with the profound truth that believers are created as image bearers of God. Just as ancient idols were mute and lifeless, the things people chase before knowing Christ (popularity, money, success, control) are equally empty and unable to truly satisfy. Kent then connects this to spiritual gifts, emphasizing that every believer has been supernaturally gifted by the Holy Spirit, not for personal gain or recognition, but for the common good. He challenges the congregation to stop running back to old, empty ways of life and instead embrace their identity as vessels of the living God. Whether through small acts of faithfulness or larger callings, every believer has a unique role to play in God's kingdom, and the question is whether they will surrender their time, talents, and treasure to be used by Him.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together today. As we open Your Word and discuss what it means to be called out ones, we ask that You quiet the noise of our old habits and empty pursuits. Holy Spirit, speak to each heart in this room. Help us to be open to what You want us to receive today, not what we expect or what is comfortable, but what You know we need. Give us ears to hear, hearts to receive, and the courage to respond. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one hobby, interest, or skill that people who know you well would say you are really good at?

Key Verses

• 1 Corinthians 12:1
• 1 Corinthians 12:3
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
• 1 Corinthians 12:7
• 1 Peter 1

Questions

• Kent described watching people at a Hare Krishna temple give their lives to something lifeless. Before you knew Christ (or in seasons when you drifted from Him), what "mute idol" were you most tempted to give your life to?
• The word ekklesia means "called out ones." What do you think you have personally been called out of, and does that thing still try to pull you back?
• Kent defined a spiritual gift as an ability or leaning that is supernaturally charged by God for a specific purpose in His church. Do you know what your spiritual gift is? If so, how did you discover it?
• Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:7 that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good, not for personal benefit. How does that reframe the way you think about your own abilities and strengths?
• Kent shared that he once thought his preaching gift was about building his own platform, and God humbled him by sending Him to preach to 20 people in a tiny church. Have you ever experienced a moment where God redirected your ambitions toward something more humble? What happened?
• Kent said, "God does not need you. It is His pleasure to use you." How does that statement make you feel, and how does it change the pressure you might put on yourself to perform or achieve?
• Kent challenged the group to start small, such as praying for every co-worker or writing encouraging notes to students. What is one small, concrete act of faithfulness you could begin this week that uses your gifts for others?
• If you gave God full control of your time, your talents, and your treasure, how do you think those things would be used differently than they are right now?

Life Application

This week, take one intentional step to use your gifts for someone else's benefit rather than your own. It does not have to be grand. It could be praying daily for a co-worker, writing an encouraging note to someone who needs it, or simply asking God each morning, "How do You want to use me today?" The goal is to practice living as a called out one, someone who carries the image of God into every space they enter.

Key Takeaways

• You are the image bearer of God. Just as ancient idols were meant to be containers for a God's Spirit, you have been created and redeemed to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. You are not empty or purposeless.
• What you were called out of is not what you were called to. Every believer has an "empty way of life" they came from, and the Christian life is a continual choice not to return to it.
• Every believer has a spiritual gift. If you know Jesus, the Holy Spirit has given you an ability or leaning that is supernaturally charged for a specific purpose in God's kingdom.
• Your spiritual gifts are not for you. They are given for the common good, to serve others and advance God's purposes, not to build your own platform or reputation.
• Faithfulness starts small. You do not need to go to the mission field to live out your calling. Start with the little things God puts in front of you, and trust Him to build something greater from your obedience.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for this time together and for the truth that we are not accidents or afterthoughts. You have created us in Your image, redeemed us through Jesus, and filled us with Your Spirit on purpose. Forgive us for the times we have run back to empty things when the living God is inside of us. Give us the courage this week to take one small step of faithfulness, to use what You have placed in us for the good of others. May we look less like people chasing the world and more like the called out ones You designed us to be. We love You, Jesus. In Your name we pray, amen.