Finding Purpose: Centering Life on Jesus
Summary
As we begin our eight-week journey through the book of Philippians, the focus is on discovering and living out our “One Purpose.” This is not just about finding a personal mission statement, but about centering our lives on the person of Jesus—making Him the hub from which every aspect of our lives flows. The call is to move beyond simply asking, “What is my purpose?” to the deeper, transformative question: “Who is my purpose?” When Jesus is at the center, our why and what become clear, and our lives are aligned with God’s greater story.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written from a place of imprisonment, is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define our purpose. Instead, our purpose is rooted in Christ, who emptied Himself, took on the nature of a servant, and was obedient even to death on a cross. This sacrificial love is the model for our own lives—whether we are in a season of building, filling, or pouring out, we are called to live with the same humility, unity, and generosity that Jesus demonstrated.
The journey of purpose is not a solitary one. Paul celebrates the partnership in the gospel, emphasizing that following Jesus is impossible alone. Our lives are meant to be interconnected, impacting others in ways we may never see. The story of Raina, who recently came to faith and was baptized, illustrates how living with purpose can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Her journey from seeking validation in the wrong places to finding her identity and calling in Christ is a testimony to the power of community, discipleship, and the relentless love of God.
As we reflect on our own lives, the challenge is to examine what season we are in—are we building, filling, or pouring out? Are we allowing Jesus to be the true King and center of everything? The invitation is to surrender, to trust God fully, and to step into the adventure of living for Him. Whether you are seeking direction, longing for deeper meaning, or ready to pour out what God has given you, the call is the same: make Jesus your purpose, and let everything else flow from Him.
Key Takeaways
- True purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we belong to. When Jesus becomes the center of our lives, our motivations, actions, and even our seasons of struggle are transformed by His presence and calling. The question shifts from “What is my purpose?” to “Who is my purpose?”—and the answer is always found in Christ. [05:23]
- Life unfolds in seasons: building, filling, and pouring out. Each phase requires spiritual agility and a willingness to transition as God leads. If we cling to one season, we risk missing the fullness of what God wants to do in and through us; instead, we are called to build well, fill with what matters, and pour out intentionally for the sake of others. [08:10]
- The example of Jesus in Philippians 2 is the ultimate model for our attitudes and actions. He emptied Himself, embraced humility, and served others, even to the point of death. Our purpose is to reflect this same humility and obedience, making Him the hub of our lives so that every “spoke”—family, work, relationships—finds its meaning in Him. [14:10]
- Partnership in the gospel is essential; we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Our faith is strengthened and our impact multiplied when we live in community, supporting and encouraging one another. Even unseen acts of love and faithfulness can have a profound effect on others, as seen in the story of Raina and her friends. [19:24]
- Surrender is the gateway to transformation. Whether we are in a season of searching, disappointment, or transition, coming to Jesus in humility and trust opens the door for Him to work in us and through us. The invitation is to lay down our own agendas, trust Him fully, and allow Him to lead us into the life He has prepared for us. [42:23]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:03] - One Purpose: Series Introduction
[04:38] - The Driving Question: Who Is Your Purpose?
[06:20] - Seasons of Life: Building, Filling, Pouring Out
[11:43] - Philippians Context: Paul’s Imprisonment and Mission
[13:29] - The Central Hub: Jesus at the Center
[17:00] - Philippians 1:1-11 Reading and Reflection
[19:24] - Loving the Church and Gospel Partnership
[20:09] - Raina’s Story: A Testimony of Transformation
[22:19] - Raina’s Journey: Identity and Validation
[26:15] - The Search for Purpose and the Turning Point
[30:13] - Encountering Jesus: A Defining Moment
[33:58] - Living with Purpose: Impacting Others
[36:48] - Discipleship and the Call to Pour Out
[41:33] - Surrender and Invitation to Respond
[43:13] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[45:15] - Praying for the Tanzania Mission Team
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: One Purpose (Philippians Week 1)
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### Bible Reading
- Philippians 1:1-11
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Philippians 3:13-14
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### Observation Questions
1. In Philippians 1:3-6, what does Paul say is the reason for his joy when he prays for the Philippians?
2. According to Philippians 2:5-8, what attitude did Jesus have, and what actions did He take because of it?
3. In Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul say he is doing with his past and his future?
4. The sermon mentioned three main seasons of life: building, filling, and pouring out. What are some examples of each season that were shared? [06:20]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Paul writes his letter from prison, yet he talks about joy and purpose. What does this suggest about where true purpose and joy come from? [11:43]
2. The sermon says, “It isn’t what is your purpose, it’s who is your purpose.” How does this change the way someone might think about their life and decisions? [05:23]
3. Jesus “emptied Himself” and became a servant (Philippians 2:7). What does it mean for us to have the same attitude as Jesus in our daily lives? [14:10]
4. The story of Raina was shared as an example of transformation. What role did community and partnership play in her journey to faith? [20:09]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to ask, “Who is my purpose?” instead of “What is my purpose?” Is there an area of your life where you have been more focused on the “what” than the “who”? What would it look like to put Jesus at the center of that area? [05:23]
2. Think about the three seasons: building, filling, and pouring out. Which season do you think you are in right now? What is one step you can take to be faithful in this season? [06:20]
3. Jesus modeled humility and obedience, even when it was hard. Is there a situation in your life where you need to choose humility or obedience, even if it costs you something? [14:10]
4. Paul says that following Jesus is “impossible alone.” Who are the people in your life that help you follow Jesus? Is there someone you need to reach out to for support or to encourage this week? [19:24]
5. Raina’s story showed how finding identity in Christ changed her life. Are there places where you are seeking validation or identity apart from Jesus? What would it look like to surrender those to Him? [26:15]
6. The sermon ended with an invitation to surrender. Is there something you need to lay down or trust God with right now? What is holding you back from fully surrendering? [42:23]
7. The idea of “pouring out” means using what God has given you to bless others. What is one practical way you can pour out for someone else this week? [36:48]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, especially for courage to surrender, for clarity in their current season, and for Jesus to be the true center of their lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Over Activity: Belonging Defines Purpose
True purpose is not discovered in the tasks we perform or the roles we assume, but in the identity we hold in Christ. When Jesus becomes the center of your life, everything else—your motivations, your actions, and even your struggles—takes on new meaning. Instead of asking “What is my purpose?” the deeper question becomes “Who is my purpose?” and the answer is always found in belonging to Jesus. This shift transforms how you view your life’s direction and the seasons you walk through, anchoring you in a purpose that transcends circumstances and achievements. [05:23]
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” — Ephesians 1:3-4
Reflection: In what ways are you currently defining your purpose by what you do rather than who you belong to? How can you begin today to reorient your identity around Jesus as your true purpose?
Day 2: Embracing Life’s Rhythms: Building, Filling, Pouring Out
Life unfolds in distinct seasons—times to build, to fill, and to pour out. Each season requires spiritual flexibility and a willingness to follow God’s leading without clinging to one phase. Building involves laying foundations and growing in faith; filling is about receiving and internalizing what God provides; pouring out is the intentional giving of yourself for others. Recognizing which season you are in helps you engage fully and prepare for the next, ensuring you don’t miss the fullness of God’s work in and through you. This spiritual agility is essential for a purposeful life. [08:10]
“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” — Romans 12:11-12
Reflection: Identify which season—building, filling, or pouring out—you are currently experiencing. What practical steps can you take this week to embrace this season fully and prepare for the next?
Day 3: Jesus as the Central Hub: Humility and Obedience in Action
Jesus’ example in Philippians 2 reveals the heart of true purpose: self-emptying humility and obedience even unto death. He made Himself the center—the hub—from which every part of life flows. When Jesus is the hub, every “spoke” of your life—family, work, relationships—finds its true meaning and direction. Living with this mindset calls you to reflect His humility and servant-heartedness, surrendering personal ambitions to align with His mission. This posture transforms not only your actions but your entire worldview, inviting you to live with intentionality and grace. [14:10]
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” — Philippians 2:5-7
Reflection: How can you practically make Jesus the central hub of your daily decisions and relationships? What is one area where you need to adopt a posture of humility and obedience this week?
Day 4: The Power of Gospel Partnership: Community’s Unseen Impact
The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Partnership in the gospel strengthens believers and multiplies their impact. Even acts of love and faithfulness that seem small or unseen can profoundly affect others, as illustrated by the transformation in Raina’s life. Living in community provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to pour into one another. Your faithfulness in relationships, no matter how ordinary, participates in God’s greater story and can be the catalyst for someone else’s breakthrough and growth. [19:24]
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Reflection: Who in your faith community needs your encouragement or support right now? What specific action can you take today to strengthen your partnership in the gospel with them?
Day 5: Surrender as the Gateway to Transformation
Surrender is the essential step that opens the door for God’s transformative work in your life. Whether you are in a season of searching, disappointment, or transition, humbly laying down your own agendas and trusting Jesus fully invites Him to lead you into the life He has prepared. Surrender is not passive resignation but active trust and obedience, allowing God to shape your heart and purpose. This posture invites adventure and growth, as you step out in faith and let Jesus be the true King and center of everything. [42:23]
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” — James 4:7-8
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you are resisting surrender to Jesus? What practical step can you take today to begin trusting Him more fully in that area?
Quotes
When we get one purpose, the book of Philippians is just incredible and we're going to dive into it a lot, but the verse obviously that you saw on the video there, the verse that really leans into this purpose posture is Philippians 3, 13 and 14. Let me read it again. Brothers and sisters, Paul is writing this and he's saying to this church in Philippi, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. What's pressing? [00:03:50] (49 seconds)
And so he writes from that position of being in chains, being bound to these Romans. He writes letters, and what he does is he wants to remind them of their why, remind them of the mission, remind them of what matters most. [00:12:34] (16 seconds)
And then as we're talking about purpose and how the transfer of who are you living for, why are you doing what you do, all of that became so loud and clear. I thought, Des, you don't have to preach the full message today. Let's hear the story of somebody and let this story impact you. [00:20:37] (22 seconds)
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