What's Your "I Must"? | Jentezen Franklin

Sunday, August 4



Introduction 

If you spend time with God, He will show you who you are; that’s your “I am.” But eventually, He will show you your purpose; that’s your “I must.” When you get your “I must,” it takes you from being to doing and from being complacent to being compelled.  

Opportunities come and go, but when you get an “I must,” it changes your life. Every great person of faith in the Bible had an “I must.” 

  • Share any personal stories of God opening doors or providing opportunities when you followed His calling. 

Scriptures

Like 2:46-50; 1 Corinthians 15:10; John 10:14-16; Numbers 22:38; Job 32:1-3; Jeremiah 20:9; Luke 19:5; John 4:4; Acts 18:21; Acts 19:21; Luke 4:43; Acts 9:6; 1 Corinthians 9:16; John 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 1:1; 22:6.


General and Specific | ‘I Must’ 

Pastor Franklin emphasized our specific calling as individual Christians—perhaps a specific purpose we feel God has set aside for us. However, it’s equally important to consider our general calling as Christians. These principles are true for all believers, for all time. For instance, we should strive to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), actively participate in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), diligently engage in our work (Exodus 20:9), and be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

  • Can you think of other general callings for Christians?  

Paul’s ‘I Must’ 

The apostle Paul knew his specific "I must" was to continue the work that our Lord Jesus started. He was to preach Jesus' teachings to all. He knew it, and he pursued his calling faithfully through the direst of circumstances. Paul's unyielding desire to serve the Lord challenged him at every turn.  

Acts 19:21 (NIV) After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 

In Romans 1:8-15, Paul expresses his desire and calling to visit Rome to meet with the Christians and expand the church. He was delayed many times, but there was a calling in his life, and God made the way for him to complete his "I must."  

Many people struggle with the questions "Who am I?" or "What is the purpose of life?" Challenge yourselves to search for those difficult questions found in Scripture. The answers are available to you through faithful study, fasting, and prayer. 

  •  What specific calling did Paul recognize in his life? 
  • How did he faithfully pursue this calling despite challenges and adversity? 
  • Do you have a specific ‘I Must’ in this season of life? 

Fear | What Keeps You from Your ‘I Must’?  

God not only saved us and cleansed us, but He also set us free. God set us free from the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear can immobilize us and cause us to take the safe route or take no action at all in order to avoid failure, reproach, or rejection. But we have been called, given an assignment, and entrusted to fulfill the plan of God in our lives. Nothing is out of reach when we step out in faith.  

  •  How has fear ever held you back from pursuing God’s calling or taking a step of faith? 
  • Share a personal experience where you overcame fear to follow God’s plan. 

I Am, Therefore, I Must. 

Luke 4:42 illustrates that as Jesus ministered, the time came for Him to leave. Despite the crowd's desire to keep Him there, He explained: 

Luke 4:43-44 ESV 

"But he said to them, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.' And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea." 

This response highlights Jesus' dedication to His mission. He needed to spread His message broadly to fulfill His divine purpose. Pastor Jentezen explains that the “I am, therefore I must” in us from God is more than a mere opportunity, it is above and beyond what we want. It’s compelling and a supernatural obsession to do the will of God and fulfill our purpose we are on this planet for.   

  • What specific calling did Jesus recognize in this passage? 
  • How did He prioritize His mission despite the crowd’s desire to keep Him? 

Leveraging Your God-Given “I Must”  

In the Parable of the Talents three servants were given talents to oversee and manage for their master. We can see talents as life resources — such as time, money, abilities, and authority. The two “good” servants, feeling responsibility for their assignment, got to work and took what was given them and multiplied the original amount. The master praised them for their faithfulness.  

Matthew 25:21 (NKJV) 

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’” 

The third servant took the one talent he was given and hid it in the ground. He didn’t even try. He was afraid to fail and afraid of his master’s response if he did fail thus there was no increase. The third servant handed back to the master the same talent given. The master responded harshly.  

Matthew 25:26 (NKJV) 

“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.  

  • Take a moment to take inventory of what God has given you. (Gifts, talents, etc.). Have you been using everything that’s been given you or have you hidden (buried) some? If you just realized you’ve been hiding some, why? 
  • Have you had a feeling that just won’t go away that you need to “do more”? If you have and haven’t been able to tangibly identify what it is you’re supposed to do, what steps can you take to finding out?  
  • In what specific areas is fear showing up  in your walk with God and affecting your ability to boldly live out your Kingdom purpose?  

Final Thoughts 

God has a purpose for your life, and it’s more than just an opportunity or dream. An “I must” is a divine mission that changes everything. There may be challenges along the way of doing what God has called you to do, but if you truly obey God, nothing will be able to stop you!  


Conclusion 

You must be born again. You must stand before Christ to be judged and give an account of what you have done. Before then, if you want to spend eternity with God, you must be born again. Only faith in Jesus Christ can provide salvation! 

Say this prayer, “God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. With your help, I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!” 


Prayer and Commitment  

Close the session with a time of prayer. Pray for each other’s callings, that we may faithfully pursue them as Paul did. 


Resources: 

YouTube 

Audio Podcast

Bonus Podcast ‘Overcoming The Fear Of Failure’