STEPPING INTO PURPOSE:

  • VISION.

    • NOT: a vision board, all of your dreams coming true, knowing exactly where things are going, everything being perfect.

    • IS: letting GOD guide your path, a decision to allow yourself to submit, no matter what comes, going to the Word for guidance, a sense of purpose

    • “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

    • Godly vision: walking toward Jesus, always, not walking toward a goal, mindset, attitutde, bank account status, or anyTHING else.

  • WAITING

    • God sometimes purposefully conceals his purposes from us. Why? Because we would skip ahead if we knew? Because we’re proud and need to learn to rely on Him?

    • Psalm 25 - David’s waiting - He was 15 when he was anointed king, and 30 when he actually became king.

    • There’s something about the age of 30 in the bible. Jesus started his ministry then, David became king then, Joseph became a leader in Egypt at 30, Saul became the first king of Israel, the priests officially entered service at age 30, Ezekiel was called by God as a prophet then. Does this mean being 30 is a requirement to start something for God? NO. God uses the young too. I think it says more about the waiting period than anything. What are you doing in the waiting?

  • PURPOSE

    • Is your purpose unique on planet earth? Is your purpose a job? Is it a role? Is it only one thing? Is it that specific at all?

    • 1 Corinthians 10:30, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Do you HAVE to do ONLY that which God calls you to? Is living a good, full, Godly life not enough? When Israel was living in the promised land, and following God, was that not enough?

  • PERSERVERANCE

    • Does failure mean it wasn’t meant to be? Does failure mean I’m not good enough? Does opposition mean it wasn’t meant to be?

    • How do we measure success? John the Baptist was only meant to PREPARE THE WAY for the Messiah. How is that measured? Moses was called to “bring the people out of Egypt,” not necessarily lead them into the promised land.

      • Romans 11:29, “For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.”

  • SERVICE

    • Your freedom is not for you, alone. Galatians 5:13-15, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”

    • I think this is the main reason we get purpose wrong. We see our purpose as something that WE want to do…versus something that serves God or others.

Discussion

  • Have you ever felt like God was calling you to something specific?

  • Have you ever asked God what His will is for your life? What was God’s answer?

  • What goals or measurements did you create for yourself to determine when you were an adult?

  • When doubts creep in, what do you use to come against those doubts and fears?

  • Do you set time aside for God? What do you do in that time?

  • Join us in our church-wide Bible Plan.

  • Read Psalm 119. Which part ministers to you the most?

  • Read Psalm 25. How can this passage help you in a waiting season?

  • 1 Corinthians 10:30, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” How can you apply that to your life right now?

  • How can you serve others right now? Are you practicing servanthood within the church?

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