Finding Purpose?

Our message today explores the question and theme of our God-given purpose, building off of the final day of Art Camp, and reminds us that purpose does not have to be complicated or grandiose. From creation, humanity was made in God’s image to know Him, represent Him, care for His creation, glorify Him, and enjoy Him. Yet sin distorted that purpose, damaging humanity’s relationship with God and diminishing the way we live out our calling. Through Jesus Christ, that purpose is restored and renewed. As children of God, our purpose begins with knowing and loving God, loving ourselves rightly, and loving others. From this foundation flows the Great Commission: making disciples and making Christ known in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. Our calling may look different from person to person, but every believer is called to serve, love, encourage, pray, and bear lasting fruit. Ultimately, our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, willingly offering ourselves to be used wherever, whenever, and however He leads.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1 – What does the sermon identify as the struggle many people have regarding purpose?  Is it believing that God has given us purpose, or understanding what that purpose is?

2 – According to Genesis 1:27–31, what purposes were given to humanity as God’s image bearers?

3 – The sermon says that humanity’s purpose includes knowing God, glorifying Him, and enjoying Him. What does each of these look like in everyday life?

4 – How did sin and the Fall distort humanity’s original purpose and relationship with God? What changes do we see when comparing Genesis 1 with Genesis 9?

5 – How does Jesus Christ restore and renew the purpose that was distorted by sin? What does being “born again” mean for how we understand our identity and calling?

6 – According to Matthew 22:35–40, what are the two great commandments? Why does the sermon describe these as the foundation of discovering our purpose?

7 – How are loving God and loving others connected to the Great Commission? Why must knowing and loving God come before effectively making disciples?

8 – The sermon gives many examples of ways we can live out God’s mission—serving at church, helping others, praying, encouraging coworkers, serving in missions, and more.8 –  What opportunities has God already placed in front of you?

9 – The sermon asks, “Is joy a word you would use to describe your service?” What is the difference between serving God out of obligation and serving Him because we genuinely desire to glorify Him?

10 – What is one specific way you can say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me,” in your life right now? How can you glorify God and enjoy Him in the ordinary circumstances of your daily life?

Scripture References

Ephesians 2:10
Jeremiah 1:5
Psalm 139:13-14
Jeremiah 29:11
Genesis 1:28-31
Genesis 9:1-7
John 1:1-13
Matthew 22:35-40
Matthew 28:19-20