Discovering Our Purpose: A Journey of Faith
Summary
In celebrating 40 years of our church family, it's a fitting time to reflect on our foundational question: "What on earth am I here for?" This question is central to our identity and mission as a church. When Kay and I founded Saddleback Church, God gave us a guiding principle: a great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a great church. These two statements of Jesus encapsulate the five purposes God has for each of our lives: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism.
God has designed each of us with a purpose. Everything in creation, from plants to people, has a purpose. Our lives are not random; they are intentional. We are made by God and for God, and until we understand this, life will never make sense. Our time on earth is a preparation for eternity, where we will spend far more time than we do here. This life is a temporary assignment, a dress rehearsal for eternity, where we learn to love God and others, grow in character, serve others, and share the Good News.
The first purpose of our lives is to know and love God, which is called worship. Worship is not just about music; it's about expressing our love to God in everything we do. The second purpose is fellowship, learning to love others and being part of God's family, the church. The third purpose is discipleship, growing to become like Christ in character. The fourth purpose is ministry, serving God by serving others with the unique gifts and talents He has given us. Finally, the fifth purpose is evangelism, sharing the Good News with others.
As we reflect on these purposes, we are reminded that our church's mission is to help each of us fulfill these purposes in our lives. This is what it means to be a purpose-driven church, and it is what has guided us for the past 40 years. As we look to the future, we are committed to continuing this mission and passing it on to the next generation.
Key Takeaways:
- Purpose and Eternity: Our lives are not accidental; they are purposeful. God created us with specific purposes that prepare us for eternity. Understanding that we are made by God and for God gives our lives meaning and direction. [04:27]
- Worship as a Lifestyle: Worship is more than music; it's a lifestyle of expressing love to God. It involves knowing God and loving Him back, which is the most important thing we can do in life. [20:10]
- Fellowship and Community: We are formed for God's family, the church. Fellowship is about learning to love others and being part of a spiritual family that supports us through life's challenges. [23:33]
- Discipleship and Growth: God created us to become like Christ. This involves growing in character and spiritual maturity, which often happens through life's challenges and trials. [34:06]
- Ministry and Service: We are shaped to serve God by serving others. Our unique gifts and experiences are meant to be used to make a difference in the world and contribute to God's kingdom. [46:43]
YouTube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Excitement for 2020
[00:29] - Reflecting on Our Purpose
[01:14] - The Great Commandment and Commission
[02:18] - Impact of Purpose Driven Life
[03:31] - Understanding Life's Purpose
[04:27] - God's Purpose in Creation
[05:39] - Discovering Your Purpose
[06:09] - Made by God, for God
[07:18] - Life as Preparation for Eternity
[08:07] - Five Purposes of Life
[15:13] - Planned for God's Pleasure
[23:33] - Formed for God's Family
[34:06] - Created to Become Like Christ
[46:43] - Shaped to Serve God
[59:21] - Made for a Mission
[01:05:08] - Purpose of the Church
[01:11:14] - Class 101 Invitation
[01:13:05] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:4-5 - "Long before He laid down earth's foundations, God had us in mind, and He settled on us as the focus of His love."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 - "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the five purposes of life as outlined in the sermon, and how are they connected to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission? [01:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between worship and worry? What is the warning sign that one has stopped worshiping? [22:56]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being part of God's family, and how does it relate to the concept of fellowship? [23:33]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of challenges and trials in our spiritual growth and becoming like Christ? [34:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding that we are made by God and for God change one's perspective on life's purpose and direction? [04:27]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worship is more than just music? How can worship be integrated into daily life? [20:10]
3. What does it mean to be "formed for God's family," and how can this understanding impact one's involvement in the church community? [23:33]
4. How does the sermon explain the process of becoming like Christ, and what role do life's challenges play in this transformation? [34:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your life's purpose. How does the sermon challenge or affirm your perspective? What steps can you take to align more closely with God's purposes? [04:27]
2. Worship is described as a lifestyle. Identify one area of your daily routine where you can intentionally express love to God. How will you implement this change? [20:10]
3. Consider your role in your church community. How can you actively contribute to the fellowship and support of others in your spiritual family? [23:33]
4. Think of a recent challenge or trial you faced. How did it contribute to your spiritual growth, and how can you approach future challenges with a mindset of becoming more like Christ? [34:06]
5. Identify a unique gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to serve others and fulfill your purpose of ministry? [46:43]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the Good News. Who in your life can you share your faith with, and what steps will you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [59:21]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a "witness" rather than an "attorney" for God. How can you share your personal experiences of faith in a way that is authentic and impactful? [01:01:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Purpose in God's Plan
Our lives are not accidental; they are purposeful. God created each of us with specific purposes that prepare us for eternity. Understanding that we are made by God and for God gives our lives meaning and direction. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary, worldly pursuits to eternal significance. Our time on earth is a preparation for eternity, where we will spend far more time than we do here. This life is a temporary assignment, a dress rehearsal for eternity, where we learn to love God and others, grow in character, serve others, and share the Good News. Recognizing this purpose helps us navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that everything we do has eternal implications. [04:27]
"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 feel purposeless? How can you seek God's guidance to understand His purpose for you in that area today?
Day 2: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is more than music; it's a lifestyle of expressing love to God. It involves knowing God and loving Him back, which is the most important thing we can do in life. Worship is not confined to a church service or a specific time of day; it is a continuous act of devotion and gratitude towards God. Every action, thought, and word can be an expression of worship when done with a heart that seeks to honor God. This understanding transforms mundane tasks into sacred acts of worship, allowing us to live in constant communion with God. [20:10]
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15 ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond traditional practices? Identify one specific action you can take today to express your love for God in a new way.
Day 3: Fellowship and Community
We are formed for God's family, the church. Fellowship is about learning to love others and being part of a spiritual family that supports us through life's challenges. Being part of a community of believers provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. It is within this community that we learn to love, forgive, and serve one another, reflecting the love of Christ. Fellowship is not just about attending church services; it is about building deep, meaningful relationships with others who share our faith journey. [23:33]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer support or encouragement? How can you be more intentional about building relationships within your spiritual family?
Day 4: Discipleship and Growth
God created us to become like Christ. This involves growing in character and spiritual maturity, which often happens through life's challenges and trials. Discipleship is a lifelong journey of transformation, where we are continually shaped and molded into the image of Christ. It requires intentional effort, discipline, and a willingness to learn and grow. As we face various trials, we have the opportunity to develop Christ-like qualities such as patience, humility, and love. This growth not only benefits us but also impacts those around us as we become living examples of Christ's love and grace. [34:06]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3 ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that God might be using to grow your character? How can you embrace this challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
Day 5: Ministry and Service
We are shaped to serve God by serving others. Our unique gifts and experiences are meant to be used to make a difference in the world and contribute to God's kingdom. Ministry is not limited to those in formal church roles; it is a calling for every believer to use their talents and resources to serve others. By serving, we reflect Christ's love and compassion, meeting the needs of those around us and advancing God's kingdom on earth. This service is not only a blessing to others but also brings fulfillment and joy to our own lives as we align with God's purpose for us. [46:43]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you have that you can use to serve others in your community? Identify one specific way you can serve someone this week and take action.
Quotes
"God has never created anything without a purpose. No plant is without purpose. Every plant has a purpose. Every animal has a purpose. Every rock, every tree has a purpose. Every human being, if you're heart is beating, there is a purpose for your life. Since you're alive, it means God isn't through with his purpose for you." [00:04:27]
"You're made by God and you're made for God. Until you understand that, life's never gonna make sense. You were made to last forever. God has long range plans for your life. You weren't made for 80 years on Earth, you were made for trillions of years in eternity. God has long range plans." [00:06:09]
"God wants you to learn five things while you're here on earth to get you ready for eternity and in this temporary assignment, you are deciding, by your choices, which place you're going in eternity. This is the get ready stage. God wants you to practice on earth what his goal is for you to do forever in Heaven." [00:07:18]
"God planned me for his pleasure. Many, many scriptures deal with this. Let me show you some. Revelation 4, verse 11. 'You, God, created everything and it is for Your pleasure that they exist and were created.' You were made so God could love you. You were made for His pleasure." [00:15:13]
"The most important thing in your life is to know God, to know that He loves you and the most important thing to do in your life is to learn to love Him back. So every morning, I suggest you do what I do. You can kneel or you can sit on the side of your bed but before I get out of bed, I usually just sit on the side of my bed and I'll say something like this, 'Lord, I know you made me to love me, thank you and I love you and Lord, today, if I don't get anything else done, I want to know you a little bit better and I want to love you a little bit more', 'cause that's the first purpose of my life." [00:20:10]
"God not only planned me for His pleasure, God formed me for His family. God formed me for His family. You were made to be a part of his family. Now last week we spent an entire message on this. God's family is called the church, so I'm gonna zoom through this 'cause we spent an entire week looking how God formed you for His family but let's look at these verses, real quick." [00:23:33]
"God created me to become like Christ. I was created to become like Christ. God created me to become like Christ. Now, once you understand this third purpose, a whole lot of life's gonna make more sense, particularly all the problems and the trials and the troubles you go through because God wants you to grow up spiritually." [00:34:06]
"God shaped me to serve Him. You weren't just put on this earth to take up space, use resources, breathe, use water, retire and die. No, no, no. You were put here to make a difference. You were put here to make a contribution. You were put here to make an impact with your life." [00:46:43]
"God put you on this planet to make a contribution and He has uniquely shaped you, uniquely shaped you for the service or the ministry that He has. Now, here's what the bible says. Psalm 139, Verse 13. 'You shaped me first inside and then out'. God's wired your personality before He wired your body." [00:47:53]
"God made me for a mission. God made me for a mission. First God put you on earth to know Him, then to learn some things, then to become some things, and then to do some things. God has some things for you to do with your life and that doing part is called your mission." [00:59:21]
"The fifth purpose of your life is once you know the purposes of life, you need to pass them on to others. Once you know Christ's forgiveness, you need to pass it on to others. The fifth purpose of life is to pass on the Good News. The bible calls that witnessing or evangelism." [01:00:08]
"God's people are like trees that bear life-giving fruit. That's what God wants to see in your life, life-giving fruit. God's people, Godly people, good people are like trees that bear life-giving fruit. They show their wisdom by saving souls. 'He who wins souls is wise', the bible says." [01:03:08]
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