Co-Authoring Your Life

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever felt like your life is a story that needs a new chapter? Discover how God invites us to co-author our lives with Him, transforming our desires and aligning our paths for His glory. Let’s explore how embracing this divine partnership can lead to a life filled with peace, joy, and purpose.

More from this series

This Sickness Will Not End In Death

This Sickness Will Not End In Death

From Fringe to Follower

From Fringe to Follower

Lessons from the Well

Lessons from the Well

Cultivating Contentment

Cultivating Contentment

See All Sermons

Co-Authoring Your Life

Message Summary
Have you ever felt like your life is a story that needs a new chapter? Discover how God invites us to co-author our lives with Him, transforming our desires and aligning our paths for His glory. Let’s explore how embracing this divine partnership can lead to a life filled with peace, joy, and purpose.
Key Scripture
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Author of Our Faith

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Devotional:
In the journey of faith, we are not alone. We are surrounded by a “crowd of witnesses” who have walked the path before us. This passage encourages us to shed the burdens and sins that hinder our progress and to focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and now He sits in honor beside God. As we fix our eyes on Him, we find the strength to run our race with endurance.

Response Questions:

  1. What are the “weights” in your life that are slowing you down spiritually?
  2. How can you keep your focus on Jesus amidst daily distractions?
  3. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the “author and perfecter” of your faith?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the strength to identify and let go of the burdens and sins that hinder your spiritual growth.
  2. Ask God to help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, especially during challenging times.

Day 2

Day 2: New Life in Christ

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Devotional:
This passage from Ephesians reminds us of our transformation through Christ. Once dead in sin, we are now alive in Christ, not by our own doing, but by God’s grace. We are His masterpiece, created anew to do the good works He has planned for us. This new life is a testament to God’s incredible grace and kindness, and it calls us to live in a way that reflects His love and purpose.

Response Questions:

  1. How does understanding your past condition without Christ impact your gratitude for salvation?
  2. In what ways do you see yourself as God’s masterpiece?
  3. What good works do you feel God has prepared for you to do?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank God for His grace and mercy that has brought you from death to life.
  2. Pray for guidance to recognize and fulfill the good works God has prepared for you.

Day 3

Day 3: The Call to Co-Author

Scripture: Philippians 1:6 NLT
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Devotional:
God has begun a good work in each of us, and He is faithful to complete it. This verse assures us that our journey with God is ongoing. We are invited to be co-authors with Him, participating in the unfolding story of our lives. As we trust in His faithfulness, we can be confident that He will bring His work in us to completion.

Response Questions:

  1. What “good work” do you believe God has started in your life?
  2. How can you actively participate in God’s work in your life?
  3. What does it mean to you that God will continue His work until it is finished?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for patience and trust in God’s timing as He continues His work in you.
  2. Ask for wisdom to discern how you can actively participate in God’s plans for your life.

Day 4

Day 4: Transforming Our Minds

Scripture: Romans 12:2 NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Devotional:
Transformation begins with the renewal of our minds. As we allow God to change the way we think, we become new people, aligned with His will. This transformation is not about conforming to the world but about being transformed by God’s truth. As our minds are renewed, we gain clarity on God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.

Response Questions:

  1. In what areas of your life do you need a transformation of thought?
  2. How can you allow God to renew your mind daily?
  3. What steps can you take to discern God’s will more clearly?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a renewed mind that aligns with God’s truth and will.
  2. Ask God to reveal areas in your life that need transformation and for the strength to change.

Day 5

Day 5: A New Creation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Devotional:
In Christ, we are made new. The old life, with its patterns and sins, is gone, and a new life has begun. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. As new creations, we are called to live in the reality of our new identity, embracing the life God has for us.

Response Questions:

  1. How does your new identity in Christ change the way you view yourself?
  2. What old patterns do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new life?
  3. How can you live out your new identity in Christ daily?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank God for making you a new creation in Christ and for the new life you have in Him.
  2. Pray for the courage to let go of old patterns and fully embrace your new identity in Christ.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Introduction: Welcome to the group discussion on the sermon “Rewritten: Co-Authoring Your Life with God.” This guide will help facilitate a meaningful conversation about how God invites us to co-author our lives with Him, transforming our desires and aligning our paths for His glory. Encourage participants to share openly and listen respectfully to one another.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to the message.

Discussion Questions and Context:

  1. What are the “weights” in your life that are slowing you down spiritually?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized the importance of identifying and shedding the burdens and sins that hinder our spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to strip off every weight that slows us down, especially sin. Discuss how these weights can be personal struggles, distractions, or habits that keep us from fully engaging with God.
  2. How can you keep your focus on Jesus amidst daily distractions?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted the need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In a world full of distractions, maintaining focus on Jesus requires intentionality and discipline. Encourage the group to share practical ways they can prioritize their relationship with Jesus daily.
  3. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the “author and perfecter” of your faith?
    • Context: The sermon described Jesus as the initiator and perfecter of our faith, emphasizing His role in starting and completing the work in us. Discuss how this understanding impacts our trust in God’s plan and our willingness to surrender control of our lives to Him.
  4. How does understanding your past condition without Christ impact your gratitude for salvation?
    • Context: Ephesians 2:1-10 reminds us of our transformation from death to life through Christ. The sermon encouraged gratitude for God’s grace and mercy. Discuss how reflecting on our past condition can deepen our appreciation for the salvation we have received.
  5. In what ways do you see yourself as God’s masterpiece?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized that we are God’s workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus. Encourage participants to share how they see God’s handiwork in their lives and how this perspective influences their self-worth and purpose.
  6. What “good work” do you believe God has started in your life?
    • Context: Philippians 1:6 assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will continue it. The sermon invited us to recognize and participate in God’s ongoing work. Discuss how participants can identify and engage with the good work God is doing in their lives.
  7. How can you allow God to renew your mind daily?
    • Context: Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. The sermon encouraged a daily commitment to letting God change the way we think. Discuss practical steps participants can take to align their thoughts with God’s truth.
  8. How does your new identity in Christ change the way you view yourself?
    • Context: 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ. The sermon emphasized embracing our new identity and letting go of old patterns. Discuss how this new identity influences participants’ self-perception and actions.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer, thanking God for His transformative work in our lives and asking for His continued guidance as we seek to co-author our stories with Him.

Additional Tips for Leaders:

  • Encourage everyone to participate, but respect those who may prefer to listen.
  • Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and open to where the discussion may naturally flow.
  • Create a safe and welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.

Family Table Talk

A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.

📖 Scripture

❓Family Question

💬 Parent Prompt:

Weekly Practice

A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.