Embracing the Vision: The Purpose Driven Life
God's Vision for the Rest of Your Life - Part 1
April 4-8, 2005

It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for... part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

Ephesians 1:11 (The Message)

Everything, absolutely everything... got started in him and finds its purpose in him.

Colossians 1:16 (The Message)

God has a purpose for everything He created and you are no exception. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose. Until you understand this, life will not make sense. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. He made you for His pleasure; He made you to last forever; He made you to live a meaningful life; and He put you to here to prepare you for eternity.

MONDAY

1. GOD PLANNED ME FOR HIS PURPOSE.

[Your Objective: Understand the 1st purpose of life is to know and love God.]

What do Revelation 4:11b and Psalm 149:4 say about God in regard to all He created?

  • How does the fact that God created mankind support the idea He takes pleasure in His people?
  • What difference can knowing God takes pleasure in us personally make to the way we relate to Him?

According to Ephesians 1:4 what was God's intention for us before He created us?

  • How should we respond to God in light of His obvious love and plan for us?
  • Why is it difficult for some people to believe God loves them? How can we encourage them?

What commands did Jesus give us in Matthew 22:37-39? What importance did He attribute to these commands?

  • What does it mean to love God with your whole heart? Why is this part of God's purpose for us?
  • How does this kind of love affect the choices and behavior of one who claims to wholeheartedly love Him?
  • Why do we often claim to love God this way but have difficulty living it out? What can make it a reality?

Worship (Magnification) - The 1st purpose of life is to know and love God, which leads us to worship Him out of a grateful heart. How does knowing God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your future affect your attitude toward Him? Consider whether or not your life demonstrates a grateful heart that worships God who created you. If not, what can you do differently to show your gratitude for Him? As a group, take a few minutes to encourage anyone who might express skepticism of God's love and provision for them. Think of people outside your group who need to know God's love. How can you encourage them?

TUESDAY

2. GOD FORMED ME FOR HIS FAMILY.

[Your Objective: Embrace the 2nd purpose of life, to learn to love other people.]

Read Ephesians 1:4b-5 and share what God did for us and why.

  • How does adoption legally change the life of the one adopted? What privileges go along with adoption?
  • What changes occur in the life of a person when he or she is adopted into God's family?

How are the believers described according to 1 Peter 2:17? How are we told to treat the believers?

In 1Timothy 3:15 how is the church described? How are we to treat other believers according to Romans 12:5?

  • God expects us to respect and love other believers. Why is this important to God?
  • How can we love those who are difficult to love, even though they are believers in Christ?
  • Is it OK for us to just avoid contact with those who are difficult to love? Does this choice "love our neighbor"?

Fellowship (Membership) - God's 2nd purpose for our lives is to learn to love others; this begins with other believers. Is there a fellow Christian you have struggled to love? Is there something you can do to help you allow God to love that person through you? What would it look like if you cooperated with God in this way? Ask God to show you how you can begin to let Him love this person through you. Ask your spiritual growth partner to pray with you as you commit to loving as God directs you.

WEDNESDAY

3. GOD CREATED ME TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST.

[Your Objective: Establish the value and need for God's 3rd purpose in our lives: committed growth into Christlikeness.]

What has God decided regarding those who come to Him and when did He make this decision, according to Romans 8:29?

  • When we plan our own futures, what usually comes first? Which do you think matters most to God - what you do or who you are? Why? How should God's perspective influence ours?

How does Colossians 1:15 relate Christ to God's creation?

  • When people say it's impossible to see God, how can we respond, based on this verse? How can we see Jesus? What can you and I do to help others see Jesus? What choices do we need to make for this to be part of our everyday lives?

What does Philippians 2:5 say we about our goal as Christians? From 2 Corinthians 3:18b how is this accomplished?

  • How long does it take to become like Christ? What tools does God use in our lives to accomplish His goals? How does this truth affect our attitude toward troubles? Why is it important for us to understand these truths?

Discipleship (Maturity) - From the beginning, God's goal in us has been to grow us up into the image of His Son. Questions like "Why is this happening to me?" make a lot more sense when we understand the answer: "to make me more like Christ." Take a look together at Mark 4:17. How are spiritually immature people described? What difference can your personal decision to grow up in Christ make in your life and your world? What are you willing to do to cooperate with God's plan? Share your decision with your group and ask them to hold you accountable as you grow up in Christ together.

THURSDAY

4. GOD "SHAPED" ME TO SERVE HIM.

[Your Objective: Recognize our personalities are uniquely crafted by God for His 4th purpose: to serve others.]

Read Psalm 139:13. How were we created, according to this verse?

Ephesians 2:10 tells us about God's plans for our lives. What does it say we are? How long has God known what we are supposed to be doing with our lives?

  • Why do you think so many people struggle to find purpose in life? How can this verse help with that struggle?

Why did God give us the abilities we have, according to 1 Peter 4:10?

  • How is what this verse says opposite from the message we hear in so many corners of our world? Why do you think that is so? Discuss as a group what this says about true meaning and value in life.

Ministry - We are "shaped" to serve others. What do you think your personal spiritual gifts are? What is your heart passionate about? What abilities has God given you that might benefit someone else? God has even made your personality for the benefit of others. Are you noted for your sense of humor, your gift of gab or your tenderness and compassion? God has someone He wants to connect you with - someone whose life needs your uniqueness. Even your experiences, both bad and good, can help someone else deal with similar circumstances. If you are not already active in ministry, seek God daily for opportunities to bless someone else. Let others see Jesus through you.

FRIDAY

5. GOD MADE ME FOR A MISSION.

[Your Objective: Picture and pursue God’s mission for His people on earth—to deliver His message of hope.]

In John 17, we find Jesus praying for His disciples? What does He say here about our purpose in the world?

  • How can we do what Jesus did on earth?

What do people perish, according to Proverbs 29:18?

  • Why do you think so many today are plagued by depression, doubt and fear? What difference can Jesus make? How can we be part of that difference?

What similar heavenly assignment do we find in Proverbs 8:32, 2 Corinthians 5:15 and Psalm 34:8?

  • What things keep us from discovering God's better life? How can we choose God over those things?

Evangelism (Mission) - Of all God's purposes in our lives, only one is specifically for the here and now. Telling others about Jesus is our life mission, our goal as Christians. Are you currently involved in this mission? How do you think God wants to use you in sharing His Good News with others?

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Cherish all of God's goals for your life and plan to pursue them daily, for the rest of your life.]

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me for real rest... and you'll recover your life... and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

God wants you to slow down and hear this message: You are not an accident. God planned you before He created the foundations of the earth. You are not meant to go through life disconnected. Think about the world we live in today. All around us are people trapped by hopelessness, doing hopeless things. God holds His message of hope out with an open hand. If you never have before, take hold of it now! Are you pursuing God's vision for your life? Hope is the greatest single need in every human life. Hope comes from knowing God. It's as simple as this: know God through His Son and His Word; love God by serving others.