THE LINC COLLECTIVE

Born for Big

BORN FOR BIG – DYLAN JAHNIG

Scriptures:
John 14:6-15
Romans 8:16-17
Galatians 3:29

Points:
1. INTIMACY (He’s our comfort in the chaos)
2. IDENTITY (He’s our confidence in the confusion)
3. INHERITANCE (He’s our calling in a world of comparison)

The Big Idea: the destination of faith isn’t heaven, it’s home. A life with our Heavenly Father.

In this powerful message, we’re reminded that we are ‘Born for Big’ – called to live a life of supernatural significance through Christ. The central scripture, John 14:6, where Jesus declares ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life,’ invites us into a profound understanding of our spiritual identity. This isn’t just about reaching a heavenly destination; it’s about finding our true home in intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. As we journey with Jesus, we experience three transformative realities: intimacy with God, a secure identity as His children, and an inheritance that surpasses worldly provisions. Just as Jesus walked in perfect confidence of His identity and purpose, we too are invited to step into a ‘coming of age’ spiritually, embracing our role as sons and daughters of God.

At its core, Christianity isn’t just about reaching a heavenly destination. It’s about coming home to a loving Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He doesn’t just give us a map; He walks with us, talks with us, and leads us into a deep, personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Intimacy: He’s Our Comfort in the Chaos

Jesus is not just showing us a destination, but inviting us into a journey of closeness with the Father. 

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, our relationship with God is an anchor. It’s not about arriving at church for a quick spiritual GPS coordinate. It’s about walking daily with Jesus, engaging in ongoing conversation, and finding comfort in His presence in every season. This intimacy isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s available to everyone who chooses to follow Christ. Like Moses, who asked God to “teach me your ways,” we too can experience the joy of knowing God personally and intimately.

Identity: He’s Our Confidence in the Confusion

When Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This moment reveals three fundamental truths about our identity in Christ:

  1. We are God’s children (identity)
  2. We are deeply loved (affection)
  3. God is pleased with us (affirmation)

These truths form the bedrock of our identity, giving us confidence to navigate life’s complexities. Just as Jesus lived with unwavering certainty in who He was, we too can walk through life secure in our identity as God’s beloved children.

This identity isn’t based on our performance, others’ opinions, or worldly trends. It’s rooted in the unchanging love of our Heavenly Father. When we truly grasp this, we can enter any room, face any challenge, not seeking approval or validation, but carrying a quiet confidence that comes from knowing whose we are.

Inheritance: He’s Our Calling in a World of Comparison

Understanding our identity as God’s children naturally leads us to the concept of inheritance. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father tells his older son, “All that is mine is yours” (Luke 15:31). This statement reveals a profound truth about our relationship with God.

Many of us live with a “field mindset,” always working, striving, and comparing ourselves to others. But God invites us into a “Father mindset,” where we recognize that all He has is already ours. This shift in perspective changes everything.

It’s like the difference between meticulously calculating your portion of a shared bill and confidently offering to cover the entire amount. One approach stems from scarcity; the other from abundance. As children of God, we’re called to live with an awareness of abundance, trusting in our Father’s provision and promise.

This inheritance isn’t just about material blessings. It’s about living with the assurance that we have access to all of God’s resources – His wisdom, His strength, His peace, and His love. It’s about knowing that no matter what challenges we face, we have a rich spiritual inheritance to draw from.

So what does it look like to live in the bigness we were born for? It can look like:

  1. Cultivating Intimacy: Make time daily to connect with God. It isn’t about religious duty, but about developing a genuine relationship. Talk to Him, listen for His voice, and let His presence be your comfort in chaos.
  2. Embracing Your Identity: Regularly remind yourself of who you are in Christ. When faced with insecurity or doubt, return to the truth of your identity as God’s beloved child.
  3. Living from Inheritance: Approach life with an awareness of abundance. Trust that God has given you everything you need for life and godliness. Be generous with others, knowing that your source is unlimited.
  4. Stepping Out in Faith: Don’t let fear of inadequacy hold you back. Remember that you’re called to do “even greater things” than Jesus did (John 14:12). It isn’t about your own abilities, but about what God can do through you.
  5. Seeing Beyond Yourself: Your “bigness” isn’t just for you. It’s about bringing glory to God and blessing others. Look for ways to use your gifts, talents, and resources to make am impact in the world around you. Champion the God-breathed life in others.

As you embrace these truths, you’ll find yourself walking with a new confidence, not because of who you are, but because of whose you are. You’ll begin to see opportunities where you once saw obstacles, and possibilities where you once saw limitations.

You weren’t made to tend the grave of past failures or current insecurities. You were called by name, raised to new life, and made for so much more. The fountain of God’s grace is running your way. Will you step into the flow and embrace the big life He has for you?

Will you live like you were born for big things? Because you were.

Discussion Questions

  1. Intimacy:
    • How does the idea of Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” impact your understanding of intimacy with God?
    • Share an experience where you felt God’s comfort in the midst of chaos.
    • How can we cultivate a deeper, ongoing conversation with God in our daily lives?
  2. Identity:
    • Reflect on the baptism of Jesus. How does God’s affirmation of Jesus relate to our own identity as children of God?
    • In what areas of your life do you struggle to maintain confidence in your identity as a child of God?
    • How can we help each other remember and live out our true identity in Christ?
  3. Inheritance:
    • Discuss the difference between a “field mindset” and a “father mindset” as mentioned in the sermon.
    • How does understanding our inheritance in Christ change our perspective on life’s challenges?
    • Share a time when you experienced God’s provision or promise in an unexpected way.
  4. Born for Big:
    • What does “born for big” mean to you personally?
    • How can we encourage each other to live with a “bigness” mindset in our daily lives?
    • What obstacles prevent us from believing we’re born for big things in God’s kingdom?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your calling and Your purpose. Thank You for reminding us that we were made for more—for intimacy with You, for confidence in our identity as Your children, and for the inheritance we have through Christ. Help us to walk in the comfort of Your presence amidst life’s chaos, to stand firm in our identity when confusion tries to shake us, and to embrace the fullness of the inheritance You’ve given us. Let us live with bold faith, trusting that You have called us to a life of significance and purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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