When we begin to feel disappointed with our lives, sensing a gap between where we are and where we want to be, we must remember our purpose. You are not an accident. God created you to live a life of meaning. Our purpose is not to simply exist and live for our own pleasures. He created us to live for Him and for His eternal kingdom. When we remember our purpose and begin living for Him and for eternity, that gap will begin to close, and we find fulfillment and joy serving Him.
If money were not an object, what would you do for the rest of your life?
1. What are some of the things many people are living for today?
2. Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. Based on these verses, what do you think is the purpose of believers?
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
3. Read Matthew 19:16-22. How was the rich young man in this story living for his possessions rather than God? What is keeping you from fully committing to and serving God?
Matthew 19:16-22 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Matthew 19:16-22
Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
“Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the man asked.
And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
4. Part of living on purpose is having Christ-like character (Rom. 8:29). What is one character trait you would like to develop to become more like Christ?
5. What gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to advance the kingdom of God in the place that God has planted you today?
6. According to Matthew 28:19-20, all believers are called to share their faith with others. What often keeps you from sharing your faith with others?
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
7. After you die, what are some things that you would like to be remembered for?
We should all want to be remembered as people who shared Jesus with others. In order to share our faith with those who are far from Christ, we must spend time with those who do not know Him. As a small group, think of a way you all can spend intentional time together with non-believers. Perhaps you can have a potluck dinner where you invite friends who are far from Christ, host a movie night and bring friends who do not know Him or have a game night where your non-believing friends are invited. Whatever you decide, set a time and date and invite your friends who do not know Christ. Pray that God will begin to work in the lives of your friends who are far from Him.
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Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.
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