Discovering and Aligning with God's Kingdom Purpose
Summary
God has a kingdom purpose for each of our lives. We are not random participants in history or products of an evolutionary process without meaning. We exist in this time and age for His divine purpose. The challenge we often face is our tendency to want God to adjust to our plans rather than aligning ourselves with His purpose. The crucial question we must ask is, "God, what is Your kingdom purpose for my existence?" This question invites God to reveal what He wants to accomplish through our unique gifts, skills, passions, and experiences to advance His great name and expand His kingdom.
We often become consumed with the myriad of ideas and purposes that others have for our lives, as well as those we create for ourselves. This can lead us to miss God's timing and purpose for our lives. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize understanding why we are here and to seek God's guidance in answering that question. God reveals His purpose in various ways and at different times. By examining the circumstances we find ourselves in, the people we encounter, and the experiences we go through—whether good, bad, or bitter—we can begin to discern His purpose for us.
We should earnestly desire for our lives to matter, not just for the present but for eternity. By asking God to show us our purpose and keeping our eyes open to His revelations, we can find excitement and fulfillment in knowing that He is actively involved in our lives. Pursuing His purpose with determination and openness will lead us to a place where we no longer question our existence but rejoice in His involvement.
Key Takeaways:
1. Aligning with God's Purpose: Our lives have a divine purpose, and it is crucial to align ourselves with God's plans rather than expecting Him to fit into ours. This alignment requires us to seek His guidance and be open to His direction. [00:28]
2. The Importance of the 'Why': Understanding the 'why' of our existence is essential. By asking God to reveal His kingdom purpose for us, we open ourselves to a life of significance that extends beyond our personal ambitions. [00:51]
3. Recognizing God's Timing: We must be attentive to God's timing and purpose, which can be easily missed when we are preoccupied with our own plans or the expectations of others. Prioritizing His purpose helps us stay aligned with His will. [01:30]
4. Learning from Life's Circumstances: God uses the circumstances of our lives, including the people we meet and the experiences we endure, to reveal His purpose. By reflecting on these elements, we can gain insight into His plans for us. [02:02]
5. Pursuing Eternal Significance: Our desire should be for our lives to matter for eternity. By seeking God's purpose and remaining open to His revelations, we can find joy and fulfillment in knowing that He is actively involved in our journey. [02:16]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - God's Kingdom Purpose
[00:51] - Asking the Right Question
[01:13] - Making a Mark
[01:30] - The Challenge of Timing
[01:46] - Prioritizing God's Purpose
[02:02] - Learning from Circumstances
[02:16] - Eternal Significance
[02:34] - Pursuing God's Revelation
[02:34] - Excitement in God's Involvement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - "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."
2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
3. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the main challenge we face when it comes to aligning with God's purpose? [00:28]
2. How does the sermon suggest we can discern God's purpose for our lives through our circumstances? [02:02]
3. What are some ways mentioned in the sermon that God reveals His purpose to us? [01:46]
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of understanding the 'why' of our existence? [00:51]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How might Jeremiah 29:11 provide comfort or guidance when seeking God's purpose for one's life?
2. In what ways does Romans 8:28 encourage believers to view their life experiences, both good and bad, in light of God's purpose? [02:02]
3. How does Ephesians 2:10 relate to the idea of being created for a specific purpose and how might this influence a believer's daily life?
4. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of prioritizing our own plans over God's timing and purpose? [01:30]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were trying to fit God into your plans rather than aligning with His. What steps can you take to change this approach? [00:28]
2. Identify a current life circumstance that you believe God might be using to reveal His purpose to you. How can you be more attentive to His guidance in this situation? [02:02]
3. Consider the people in your life who might be part of God's plan for you. How can you engage with them to better understand His purpose? [02:02]
4. What practical steps can you take to prioritize understanding the 'why' of your existence in your daily routine? [00:51]
5. How can you ensure that your life's significance extends beyond personal ambitions to have eternal impact? [02:16]
6. Think of a recent experience that was challenging or bitter. How might you view this experience differently in light of Romans 8:28? [02:02]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to pursue God's purpose with determination and openness? [02:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Divine Blueprint
Our lives are not a series of random events or mere products of chance. Instead, each of us is intricately woven into God's divine plan, with a unique purpose that aligns with His kingdom. The challenge lies in our natural inclination to fit God into our plans rather than seeking to align ourselves with His. This requires a conscious effort to seek His guidance and remain open to His direction. By doing so, we can discover the profound significance of our existence and the role we play in His grand design. [00:28]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to fit God into your plans? How can you begin to align this area with His divine purpose today?
Day 2: Discovering the 'Why' of Our Existence
Understanding the 'why' behind our existence is crucial for living a life of significance. By asking God to reveal His kingdom purpose for us, we open ourselves to a journey that transcends personal ambitions and leads to eternal impact. This involves a willingness to listen and a readiness to embrace the purpose He has set for us. As we seek His guidance, we find that our lives are not only meaningful but also aligned with His eternal plan. [00:51]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek God's revelation of your life's purpose? How might this change your current priorities?
Day 3: Embracing God's Timing
God's timing is perfect, yet it can be challenging to recognize when we are preoccupied with our own plans or the expectations of others. It is essential to prioritize His purpose and remain attentive to His timing, which often requires patience and trust. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and avoid missing the opportunities He has prepared for us. This alignment brings peace and assurance that we are on the right path. [01:30]
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been impatient with God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect timing today?
Day 4: Learning from Life's Circumstances
God often uses the circumstances of our lives, including the people we meet and the experiences we endure, to reveal His purpose. By reflecting on these elements, we can gain insight into His plans for us. Whether through joyful moments or challenging trials, each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow in our understanding of His will. This perspective allows us to see His hand at work in every aspect of our lives. [02:02]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent experience that was challenging or unexpected. How might God be using this situation to reveal His purpose for you?
Day 5: Pursuing Eternal Significance
Our desire should be for our lives to matter not just in the present but for eternity. By seeking God's purpose and remaining open to His revelations, we can find joy and fulfillment in knowing that He is actively involved in our journey. This pursuit of eternal significance leads us to a place where we no longer question our existence but rejoice in His involvement and the impact we can have for His kingdom. [02:16]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal significance today? How can this change your perspective on your daily activities?
Quotes
God has a kingdom purpose for your life. You're not a random part of history, part of an evolutionary process that doesn't have rhyme and reason. You live in this time, in this age, for His purpose. The problem is we want God to adjust to our purpose rather than us adjusting to His purpose. [00:13:16]
The question that you must ask and allow God to answer in your life is, "God, what is Your kingdom purpose for my existence? What thing do You want to accomplish through my gifts, my skills, my passions, my experiences that will advance Your great name and expand Your kingdom?" [00:45:51]
We get so consumed with everything and everyone else surrounding us, with the myriad of ideas and purposes that they have for our lives, and many that we have for our lives, that we often miss the timing of God for the purpose for which He has us here right now. [01:20:98]
The challenge in life is to prioritize the question of why in the world. God is the best one to answer that question. He does that in a myriad of different ways and at different times. Begin to look around you, look at the circumstances He puts you in, and the people He allows to cross your path. [01:43:10]
Look at the good, the bad, and even the bitter things of life that converge on you, and then raise the question to God, "God, I want my life to matter, and I want it to matter not only for time but for eternity. So show me my life." [02:07:124]
Keep your eyes open because He has very interesting ways of revealing your purpose. Don't stop pursuing it and telling Him, because when He does, you will no longer question why you're here. You'll just be excited that He's involved with you. [02:29:152]
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