Christian Worldview - Part 8: My Purpose

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Existentialism: We exist first—without an inherent purpose or predetermined destiny—and must actively construct their own meaning and values through their actions

The Lie of Existentialism: I define what my purpose is

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 

Point 1: You were uniquely formed by God

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Point 2: God’s purpose for me is beautiful, humbling, and intentional

 
1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Point 3: Our greatest purpose isn't to make much of ourselves—it's to make much of God.

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START TALKING:

This week we talked about one of the biggest questions people ask:
"What is my purpose?"

Our world tells us that purpose is something we create for ourselves through our careers, relationships, achievements, or personal goals. But Scripture paints a very different picture.

We looked at Psalm 139 and saw that God intentionally formed each of us. We also looked at Ephesians 2 and discovered that those who are in Christ are God's masterpiece, created for the good works He planned long ago. Finally, 1 Corinthians 10 reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God in everything we do.

The big truth from this message is:
God created me on purpose for His purpose.

Discussion prompts:
  - When have you discovered the true purpose of something you previously misunderstood?
  - Why do you think so many people struggle to answer the question, "What is my purpose?"
  - What are some things people commonly build their identity or purpose around today?

START THINKING:
Read Psalm 139:13–14

- What words does David use to describe God's involvement in our creation?
 - What do the words "knit," "wonderfully complex," and "workmanship" tell us about God?
 - How does this passage challenge the idea that our lives are random or accidental?
 - What does it mean to you that God intentionally formed you?

- What does it mean that believers are God's "masterpiece"?
 - According to this verse, why has God recreated us in Christ Jesus?
 - Why is it important that this verse says we are created anew in Christ Jesus?
 - What "good works" do you think God has prepared for His people?

- According to this verse, what should be the motivation behind everything we do?
 - Why do you think glorifying God is greater than simply pursuing our own success or happiness?
 - How does understanding God's love change the way we think about living for His glory?

START SHARING:
The sermon described the lie of existentialism as: "I define what my purpose is."

 - Where have you seen that idea show up in our culture?
 - Have there been seasons where you tried to build your purpose around your career, relationships, achievements, or something else? What happened?
 - How does knowing you were intentionally created by God change the way you view yourself?
 - What makes it difficult to believe that God has a purpose specifically for your life?
 - What opportunities has God already placed around you to love Him and love others where you live, work, learn, or play?

- What is one area of your life where you've been trying to define your own purpose instead of embracing God's?
 - What is one practical way you can glorify God this week in your everyday life?
 - Who has God intentionally placed around you that you can serve, encourage, or point toward Jesus?
 - How can you begin viewing your workplace, school, neighborhood, or home as part of God's purpose for your life?
 - What is one step you can take this week to make more of God instead of making more of yourself?

START PRAYING:
Pray together as a group:

 - Thank God for intentionally creating each person with purpose.
 - Ask Him to help you believe that you are uniquely formed and deeply loved by Him.
 - Confess any areas where you've tried to create your own purpose apart from God.
 - Ask God to reveal the good works He has prepared for you to do.
 - Pray that your church would become a people who live every day to glorify God where they live, work, learn, and play.
 - Thank Jesus for making us new and allowing us to become God's masterpiece through Him.
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MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
  - Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
  - What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
  - How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
  - How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
  - Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
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WHAT'S NEXT?
  - Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
  - Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?