Living Purposefully: Embracing God's Process and Community

Purpose is not a destination to be reached, but a process to be lived out daily. Each of us matters deeply to God, and what we do truly matters to Him. Our sense of purpose is rooted in understanding that we are created by God, for God, and as objects of His love. Before we can love others or even ourselves rightly, we must first receive and rest in the love God has for us—a love that is not based on our performance, but on His character. This love is the foundation for everything else in our lives, and it is from this place that we begin to discover and live out our purpose.

God’s plans for us are good, even when our circumstances are difficult or confusing. The promise in Jeremiah 29:11 was given to a people in captivity, reminding us that God’s purpose often unfolds in seasons of waiting, struggle, or uncertainty. We are not called to seek quick fixes or easy answers, but to embrace the process of becoming more like Jesus, step by step. God’s purpose is not just about individual fulfillment, but about being part of a community—His people—where we encourage, build up, and motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Our lives are meant to be lived in connection with others, reflecting God’s love and working together for a greater mission.

Living out God’s purpose means seeing our lives as part of a much bigger picture. We may not always understand how the dots connect, but as we trust God and take simple steps of faith, He reveals more of His plan. Our purpose is to bring God glory in every moment—through praise, trust, obedience, and gratitude, whether in joy or pain. We are called to live for God, to love others in community, and to pursue the big picture He has for us, one faithful step at a time.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Purpose is a Process, Not a Quick Fix True purpose is not found in a single moment or achievement, but in the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus. God’s plans often unfold over time, sometimes through seasons of waiting or difficulty, teaching us to trust Him step by step rather than seeking instant answers. Embracing the process allows us to grow in faith and character, even when the path is unclear. [06:00]
• 2. You Are Created by God and for God Our deepest sense of purpose begins with the truth that we are created by God, for God, and as objects of His love. Before we can love others or live meaningfully, we must first receive and rest in God’s unconditional love for us. This foundational relationship shapes our identity and gives us the security to live boldly for His glory. [11:28]
• 3. Community is Essential to God’s Purpose God’s promises and purposes are not just for individuals, but for His people together. We are designed to live in community, encouraging and motivating one another to acts of love and good works. True fulfillment comes when we move from a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset, participating in God’s mission alongside others. [20:04]
• 4. God’s Purpose is Bigger Than Our Circumstances Even when life feels confusing or we are in seasons of captivity or struggle, God is working out a bigger picture for our good. Our current situation does not define our identity or our future; God’s faithfulness and love do. Trusting Him in the process allows us to live with hope and to leave a legacy for those who come after us. [24:23]
• 5. Faithful Steps Reveal the Big Picture We may long to see the whole plan, but God often gives us just enough light for the next step. As we take simple, faithful steps—trusting, obeying, and loving—God connects the dots and reveals a beautiful picture we could not have imagined. Our role is to offer our lives as living sacrifices, trusting that God will unfold His purpose in and through us. [27:19]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - Introduction: The Big Picture Series
• [02:33] - Do I Matter? Wrestling with Purpose
• [03:45] - Coffee Mug Theology and Jeremiah 29:11
• [05:30] - Understanding Context: Captivity and God’s Promise
• [06:00] - Purpose as a Process, Not a Destination
• [07:47] - Created for God, Community, and the Big Picture
• [09:30] - God’s Love: Our Foundation
• [11:28] - Becoming Objects of God’s Love
• [13:45] - Worship as a Lifestyle
• [17:19] - Learning Purpose in Every Season
• [20:04] - Created for Community: We Over Me
• [22:30] - Living Out Purpose Together
• [24:23] - Connecting the Dots: Trusting God’s Process
• [27:19] - Taking the Next Step and Living the Big Picture

Bible Reading

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV) — > 11 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.
> 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
> 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

1 John 4:19 (ESV) — > We love because he first loved us.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) — > 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
> 25 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.

Observation Questions

1. In Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God say He has for His people? What is the context in which this promise was given? [03:45]
2. According to 1 John 4:19, what is the reason we are able to love others? [11:28]
3. In Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do for one another, and why is meeting together important? [20:04]
4. The sermon mentions that God’s promise in Jeremiah was given to people in captivity. What does this tell us about when and how God’s purpose is revealed? [05:30]

Interpretation Questions

1. The promise in Jeremiah 29:11 was given to people in a difficult season, not when everything was easy. What does this suggest about how God’s purpose works in our lives during hard times? [05:30]
2. The sermon says, “Purpose is not a destination. Purpose comes in the form of a process.” How does this idea challenge the way people usually think about finding their purpose? [06:00]
3. The pastor said, “We were created as objects of God’s love.” How does understanding ourselves as loved by God change the way we see our identity and purpose? [11:28]
4. Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about encouraging one another and not neglecting to meet together. Why do you think community is so important for living out God’s purpose? [20:04]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Purpose is a process, not a quick fix.” Are there areas in your life where you have been looking for a quick answer instead of trusting God’s process? What would it look like to embrace the process this week? [06:00]
2. The pastor shared that before we can love others, we must first receive and rest in God’s love for us. Is there anything keeping you from truly believing that God loves you unconditionally? How can you remind yourself of His love daily? [11:28]
3. The message emphasized that God’s plans are good, even when our circumstances are hard. Can you think of a time when you struggled to see God’s purpose in a tough season? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [05:30]
4. Community is essential to God’s purpose. Are you currently connected to a group of believers who encourage and motivate you? If not, what step could you take to build deeper community? [20:04]
5. The pastor said, “We may long to see the whole plan, but God often gives us just enough light for the next step.” Is there a simple step of faith or obedience you sense God is asking you to take right now, even if you don’t see the whole picture? [24:23]
6. The sermon talked about living for God’s glory in every moment—through praise, trust, obedience, and gratitude. Which of these is hardest for you right now, and what is one practical way you can grow in that area this week? [13:45]
7. The pastor mentioned leaving a legacy and living for a bigger picture. What is one way you can invest in others or serve your community to be part of God’s bigger purpose? [24:23]