"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2
Many young people want to know their calling: What will I do? Where will I go? But Yahuah is more interested in WHO you are than WHAT you do. Character must precede calling.
Why Character First?
Gifts without character = destruction (Samson, Solomon, Saul)
Position without character = abuse (King Rehoboam)
Calling without character = failure (Judas Iscariot)
Character SUSTAINS what calling achieves
The Pattern of Scripture
Yahuah consistently develops character BEFORE releasing calling:
Person
Character Training
Then Called To
Moses
40 years in wilderness
Lead Israel out of Egypt
David
Years as shepherd, fugitive
King of Israel
Joseph
Slavery, false accusation, prison
Governor of Egypt
Paul
Arabia, years of preparation
Apostle to Gentiles
The Danger of Shortcuts
Our culture celebrates quick success, overnight fame, instant results. But Yahuah's way is different:
He values faithfulness over fame
He develops character in obscurity
He tests us in small things before large
Shortcuts lead to shortcuts in character
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." - Luke 16:10
REFLECT - Self-Examination
1. Are you more focused on what you want to DO or who Yahuah wants you to BE?
2. What "small things" has Yahuah given you that you might be neglecting?
2Discovering Your Calling
RECEIVE - Understanding Calling
"For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yahusha unto good works, which Elohim has before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
Three Levels of Calling
Universal Calling: What all believers are called to
Love Yahuah with all your heart
Love your neighbor as yourself
Make disciples
Walk in holiness
General Calling: Life roles (spouse, parent, worker, citizen)
Specific Calling: Your unique assignment (ministry, career, mission)
Indicators of Specific Calling
How does Yahuah reveal specific calling? Look for alignment in:
Desire: What do you genuinely want to do? (Psalm 37:4)
Design: What are your gifts, skills, and abilities?
Doors: What opportunities has Yahuah opened?
Confirmation: What do wise counselors say? (Proverbs 15:22)
Need: Where is there a genuine need you can meet?
Fruit: Where has Yahuah blessed your efforts?
Common Mistakes
Waiting for a burning bush: Most guidance is gradual, not dramatic
Assuming calling = comfort: Calling often leads through difficulty
Comparing to others: Your calling is unique
Equating calling with career: Calling is broader than job title
RESPOND - Exploration
1. What are you genuinely passionate about?
2. What gifts/skills has Yahuah given you?
3. What needs do you see that burden you?
3Spiritual Discernment
RECEIVE - The Gift of Discernment
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of Elohim: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." - 1 John 4:1
What is Discernment?
Discernment is the ability to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil, the voice of Yahuah and the voice of the enemy. It's essential for navigating our deceptive age.
How to Develop Discernment
Know Scripture thoroughly: The Word is the standard (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Walk in the Spirit: He guides into truth (John 16:13)
Test everything: Don't accept anything uncritically (1 Thess. 5:21)
Watch the fruit: False teachers produce bad fruit (Matthew 7:16-20)
Seek wise counsel: Proverbs 11:14
Pray for wisdom: James 1:5
Areas Requiring Discernment Today
False teachers: Many claim to speak for Yahuah but don't
False doctrine: Subtle errors that sound biblical but aren't
Cultural lies: Society's deceptions (moral relativism, etc.)
Media manipulation: News, entertainment, social media
Spiritual counterfeits: New Age, occult practices disguised
"But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." - Hebrews 5:14
RESPOND - Application
Identify a current cultural belief that contradicts Scripture. How would you respond with discernment?
4Servant Leadership
RECEIVE - The Yahusha Model
"But Yahusha called them unto Him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister." - Matthew 20:25-26
World's Leadership vs. Yahusha's Leadership
World's Model
Yahusha's Model
Position = Power
Position = Responsibility
Leaders are served
Leaders serve
Authority to control
Authority to bless
Seeks recognition
Seeks to honor others
Builds own kingdom
Builds Yahuah's kingdom
Characteristics of Servant Leaders
Humility: Not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Availability: Willing to help, not above any task
Integrity: The same in private and public
Vision: Seeing what could be, inspiring others toward it
Courage: Making hard decisions, speaking truth
Empowerment: Developing others, not hoarding authority
"The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are. They are frank in admitting this and are willing to pay for such talents." - Antos Parrish
RESPOND - Self-Assessment
In what areas do you currently lead (home, school, work, church, sports)?
How could you lead more like a servant in those areas?
5Wisdom & Decision Making
RECEIVE - Getting Wisdom
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." - James 1:5
Wisdom vs. Knowledge vs. Information
Information: Raw data and facts
Knowledge: Understanding information in context
Wisdom: Applying knowledge rightly; knowing what to DO
You can have great knowledge and no wisdom. Wisdom comes from Yahuah.
A Biblical Decision-Making Framework
Pray: Ask Yahuah for guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Search Scripture: What principles apply?
Examine your motives: Why do you want this?
Seek counsel: What do wise advisors say? (Proverbs 15:22)
Consider consequences: What are the likely outcomes?
Check for peace: Does the Spirit confirm? (Colossians 3:15)
Act in faith: Move forward trusting Yahuah
Decision-Making Pitfalls
Making decisions based on emotion alone
Ignoring wise counsel
Rushing when patience is needed
Hesitating when action is required
Asking Yahuah to bless what you've already decided
RESPOND - Apply the Framework
Think of a decision you're currently facing. Walk through the 7-step framework:
6Influence & Integrity
RECEIVE - The Power of Influence
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." - Matthew 5:14
Everyone Has Influence
You are always influencing others - the question is: in what direction?
Your words shape others' thoughts
Your actions set an example
Your attitudes are contagious
Your character inspires (or discourages)
Integrity: The Foundation of Influence
People follow those they trust. Trust is built through integrity.
Say what you mean: Let your yes be yes
Do what you say: Keep your commitments
Be consistent: Same person everywhere
Admit mistakes: Own your failures
Live what you teach: Don't be a hypocrite
Spheres of Influence
Where has Yahuah placed you to influence others?
Family: Siblings, parents, extended family
School: Classmates, teachers
Work: Co-workers, customers
Community: Neighbors, teams
Church: Fellow believers
Online: Social media connections
RESPOND - Evaluate Your Influence
Think of 3 people you influence. What impact are you having on their lives?
7Spiritual Warfare
RECEIVE - The Reality of Battle
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12
The War is Real
As a believer, you have an enemy. Satan and his forces actively oppose Yahuah's purposes and attack His people. This is not metaphor - it's reality.
The Armor of Elohim (Ephesians 6:14-18)
Piece
Represents
Application
Belt of Truth
Knowing and living truth
Study Scripture daily
Breastplate of Righteousness
Right standing with Yahuah
Walk in obedience
Shoes of Gospel
Readiness to share faith
Be prepared to witness
Shield of Faith
Trust in Yahuah's promises
Stand on His Word
Helmet of Salvation
Assurance of salvation
Know your identity in Messiah
Sword of the Spirit
The Word of Yahuah
Know and speak Scripture
Common Enemy Tactics
Deception: Lies about Yahuah, self, others
Temptation: Appealing to flesh, world
Accusation: Condemning you for past sin
Distraction: Keeping you from eternal things
Division: Breaking relationships, churches
Discouragement: Making you want to quit
"Submit yourselves therefore to Elohim. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7
RESPOND - Personal Application
Which enemy tactic do you face most often? How will you resist?
8Worldview & Cultural Engagement
RECEIVE - Thinking Biblically
"And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2
What is a Worldview?
A worldview is the lens through which you see and interpret everything. It answers life's biggest questions:
Where did we come from? (Origin)
Who are we? (Identity)
What's wrong with the world? (Problem)
What's the solution? (Redemption)
Where is history going? (Destiny)
Engaging Culture as a Believer
Know your foundation: Scripture is the standard
Understand the culture: Know what people believe and why
Speak with grace and truth: Don't compromise, but don't be harsh
Be salt and light: Preserve and illuminate
Live distinctively: Your life is your message
Dangerous Cultural Lies
"Truth is relative" - Actually, Yahusha IS truth (John 14:6)
"Follow your heart" - The heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9)
"You can be whatever you want" - You're designed for Yahuah's purpose
"Religion is private" - Faith must be lived publicly
"All paths lead to God" - There is ONE way (Acts 4:12)
RESPOND - Analysis
Choose one cultural lie above. Write a biblical response:
9Relationships & Boundaries
RECEIVE - Healthy Relationships
"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." - Proverbs 27:17
Types of Relationships
Inner Circle: Closest friends who speak into your life
Close Friends: Those you do life with regularly
Acquaintances: People you know but aren't close to
Ministry Relationships: People you serve
Not everyone deserves the same access to your life.
Biblical Boundaries
Emotional: Don't share everything with everyone
Physical: Save intimacy for marriage
Time: You can't do everything for everyone
Spiritual: Guard who speaks into your life
Boundaries are not unloving - they're wise stewardship.
Godly Romance (For Those Dating or Considering It)
Date with purpose (marriage), not just entertainment
Guard physical purity - set clear boundaries
Involve godly mentors and parents
Look for character over chemistry
If you can't marry them, don't date them
RESPOND - Evaluate
Who is in your "inner circle"? Are they pointing you toward or away from Yahuah?
10Purpose & Legacy
RECEIVE - Living for Eternity
"Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Messiah will last." - C.T. Studd
What Will Your Legacy Be?
You are writing your story right now. Every choice, every relationship, every day contributes to the legacy you'll leave behind.
What will people say about you at your funeral?
What will you wish you had done differently?
What will last beyond your lifetime?
Things That Last Forever
People: Souls you helped reach for Yahusha
Scripture: Yahuah's Word endures forever
Character: What you become, not just what you do
Investments in the Kingdom: Treasures in heaven
Everything else - money, fame, possessions - will burn.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" - Matthew 16:26
RESPOND - Final Reflection
1. Write a personal mission statement for your life:
2. What legacy do you want to leave? What will you be remembered for?
3. What is ONE thing you will commit to doing differently starting today?
Discussion Guide Notes
Key Principles to Emphasize
Character precedes calling: Who you ARE matters more than what you DO