Made for God: Discovering True Purpose in Life
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Croydon Hills! Today, we explored the profound question of what it means to be made for something greater, specifically, being made for God. Our central mission as a church is to make followers of Jesus, a calling that applies to everyone, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. This mission is rooted in the belief that Christianity offers a compelling answer to life's most fundamental questions.
We discussed the importance of considering Christianity, not just as a set of beliefs, but as a way to find true meaning and purpose in life. Drawing from Ben Shore's book, "Seven Reasons to Reconsider Christianity," we highlighted that Christianity is intellectually credible, offers life to the full, and provides answers to what's wrong with the world. Most importantly, it gives us a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our daily existence.
We delved into the existential questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? What's the point of it all? These questions are universal and relevant to everyone, from the most socially-minded citizen to the lowest form of criminal. The answer, we believe, lies in understanding that we are made for God. This is not just a philosophical idea but a deeply spiritual truth that resonates with the core of our being.
C.S. Lewis eloquently put it: if we find desires in ourselves that nothing in this world can satisfy, it means we were made for another world. This aligns with the biblical narrative that we are created in the image of God, with a unique capacity for a relationship with Him. This relationship is the ultimate purpose of our existence, and it is only in God that we find true contentment and peace.
We also touched on the idea that many people spend their lives searching for meaning in the wrong places—pleasure, relationships, achievements—only to find themselves unsatisfied. The story of the rich young man in the Gospel of John serves as a cautionary tale of how distractions can keep us from finding our true purpose in God.
In conclusion, we are made for God, and any other search will ultimately be unsuccessful. Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Him. Let us commit ourselves to this search and live for the purpose we were created for.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Universal Calling to Follow Jesus: Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, the call to follow Jesus is universal. It applies to everyone, from seasoned believers to those who have never heard of Him. This calling is about finding true purpose and meaning in life through a relationship with Jesus. [37:14]
2. Christianity Offers Intellectual Credibility and Life to the Full: Christianity is not just a set of beliefs but a comprehensive worldview that offers intellectual credibility and a fulfilling life. It answers fundamental questions about what's wrong with the world and provides a compelling narrative for living a meaningful life. [40:17]
3. Existential Questions and the Search for Meaning: The questions "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" are universal and deeply existential. Christianity offers answers to these questions by revealing that we are made for God. This understanding gives us a sense of purpose that transcends our daily existence. [42:04]
4. The Unique Capacity for a Relationship with God: Being made in the image of God means we have a unique capacity for a relationship with Him. This relationship is the ultimate purpose of our existence, and it is only in God that we find true contentment and peace. [51:15]
5. The Futility of Searching in the Wrong Places: Many people spend their lives searching for meaning in pleasure, relationships, and achievements, only to find themselves unsatisfied. True fulfillment comes from understanding that we are made for God, and any other search will ultimately be unsuccessful. [56:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:14] - The Universal Calling to Follow Jesus
[38:15] - Introduction to the Series: Made For
[39:22] - Why Consider Christianity?
[40:17] - Seven Reasons to Reconsider Christianity
[41:13] - The Question of Life's Meaning
[42:04] - Existential Questions and Purpose
[43:03] - The American Declaration of Independence
[47:58] - The Search for Happiness
[49:10] - The Self-Evident Truth of Searching
[51:15] - Made in the Image of God
[52:42] - Solomon's Musings in Ecclesiastes
[54:27] - The Ultimate Purpose of Creation
[56:43] - The Rich Young Man's Search
[58:22] - The Parable of the Paperclip
[01:00:25] - Augustine's Famous Words
[01:02:18] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:10:57] - Closing Remarks and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV) - "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
2. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
3. John 10:10 (NIV) - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what does it mean to be made in the image of God?
2. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, what does it mean that God has "set eternity in the human heart"?
3. How does John 10:10 describe the purpose of Jesus' coming?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of people searching for meaning in the wrong places? [56:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does being made in the image of God give humans a unique capacity for a relationship with Him? [51:15]
2. What does it mean to have "eternity set in the human heart," and how does this influence our search for meaning? [52:42]
3. How does the concept of "life to the full" in John 10:10 relate to the idea that we are made for God? [40:17]
4. Why do you think people often search for meaning in pleasure, relationships, and achievements, and why are these searches ultimately unsatisfying? [56:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you have been searching for meaning in the wrong places? How can you redirect your search towards God? [56:43]
2. How can understanding that you are made in the image of God change the way you view yourself and your purpose in life? [51:15]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God, knowing that this is the ultimate purpose of your existence? [51:15]
4. Think of a time when you felt a deep sense of restlessness. How did you try to address it, and what was the outcome? How might seeking God have changed that experience? [01:02:18]
5. How can you help others in your life who are searching for meaning to understand that they are made for God? What practical steps can you take to share this message with them? [01:02:18]
6. C.S. Lewis said, "If we find desires in ourselves that nothing in this world can satisfy, it means we were made for another world." How does this statement resonate with your personal experiences and desires? [49:10]
7. Augustine wrote, "Our heart is restless until it finds its rest in [God]." What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily life to find rest in God? [01:02:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Universal Calling to Follow Jesus
Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, the call to follow Jesus is universal. It applies to everyone, from seasoned believers to those who have never heard of Him. This calling is about finding true purpose and meaning in life through a relationship with Jesus. The journey of following Jesus is not limited to a specific group of people; it is an invitation extended to all humanity. This universal calling emphasizes that everyone, irrespective of their background or current beliefs, is invited to discover the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus.
Christianity offers a path to understanding life's deeper questions and finding a sense of purpose that transcends daily existence. By following Jesus, individuals can experience a life filled with meaning, direction, and fulfillment. This journey is not about adhering to a set of rules but about entering into a relationship with Jesus that brings true contentment and peace. [37:14]
John 10:27-28 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Reflection: Think about your current spiritual journey. How can you take a step closer to following Jesus today, regardless of where you are starting from?
Day 2: Christianity Offers Intellectual Credibility and Life to the Full
Christianity is not just a set of beliefs but a comprehensive worldview that offers intellectual credibility and a fulfilling life. It answers fundamental questions about what's wrong with the world and provides a compelling narrative for living a meaningful life. Christianity engages both the heart and the mind, offering a robust framework for understanding the complexities of life and the human condition. It provides answers to the existential questions that many grapple with, offering a coherent and intellectually satisfying perspective.
By embracing Christianity, individuals can experience a life that is rich and full, marked by a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. This worldview does not shy away from the hard questions but addresses them head-on, providing a solid foundation for living a life of significance and impact. [40:17]
Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Reflection: Reflect on a question or doubt you have about Christianity. How can you seek out answers that engage both your heart and mind?
Day 3: Existential Questions and the Search for Meaning
The questions "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" are universal and deeply existential. Christianity offers answers to these questions by revealing that we are made for God. This understanding gives us a sense of purpose that transcends our daily existence. These existential questions are not just philosophical musings but are central to the human experience. They touch on the very core of our identity and purpose in life.
Christianity provides a compelling answer to these questions by pointing to our creation in the image of God and our unique capacity for a relationship with Him. This relationship is the ultimate purpose of our existence, and it is only in God that we find true contentment and peace. [42:04]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Consider the question, "Why am I here?" How does understanding that you are made for God change your perspective on your daily life and purpose?
Day 4: The Unique Capacity for a Relationship with God
Being made in the image of God means we have a unique capacity for a relationship with Him. This relationship is the ultimate purpose of our existence, and it is only in God that we find true contentment and peace. Our creation in God's image sets us apart and gives us the ability to connect with Him in a profound and personal way. This relationship is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that brings deep fulfillment and joy.
In a world where many seek meaning in various pursuits, understanding our unique capacity for a relationship with God provides clarity and direction. It reminds us that true contentment and peace are found not in external achievements or possessions but in a deep, abiding relationship with our Creator. [51:15]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. How can you deepen this relationship and experience the true contentment and peace that come from being in His presence?
Day 5: The Futility of Searching in the Wrong Places
Many people spend their lives searching for meaning in pleasure, relationships, and achievements, only to find themselves unsatisfied. True fulfillment comes from understanding that we are made for God, and any other search will ultimately be unsuccessful. The story of the rich young man in the Gospel of John serves as a cautionary tale of how distractions can keep us from finding our true purpose in God.
This understanding calls us to reevaluate where we seek meaning and fulfillment. It challenges us to turn away from the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world and to focus on the eternal relationship we are invited to have with God. Only in Him can we find the lasting satisfaction and peace that our hearts long for. [56:43]
Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have been seeking fulfillment outside of God. How can you redirect your focus to find true satisfaction in your relationship with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You see, fundamentally expresses that in four simple words, it says, making followers of Jesus. And the reason it says that is because we believe that's what Jesus calls all of the Christian church to do. It doesn't matter where you are, what the label is on the front or anything like that. This is a fundamental calling for all of us. It's a direction, a commandment, and it applies to every single person." [37:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Maybe we were made for something else. Maybe we were made for God. It's a self-evident truth that everyone searches, but not everyone finds. Maybe because we're looking in the wrong place. The answer isn't found in pleasure or relationships or achievement or success. Maybe we are made for God." [49:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are all created in the image of God, all made for God in a magnificent way. In some ways, similar to a paperclip is a magnificent design for its need because nothing else is as simple, as cheap and efficient way to achieve its purpose. A paperclip, a piece of wire bent and twisted three times, and yet we look at our world today, people not living for what they're designed for, not just one or two, but hundreds and thousands, millions." [01:00:25] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Only in our searching for God and our relationship with God do we find true contentment and peace, for that is what we are made for. We are made for God." [01:02:18] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think that my friend should consider Christianity because I think at its core, it provides meaning for life. It makes sense of life. It gives purpose for life. It helps us to truly discover who we are and what we're all about. You might even think that the name of this series, which is called Made For, Made For implies purpose, reason. It's not that life is random. It's not that without some sense of purpose that life is not worth living because we are made for something." [43:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What I think it directly says is that all humans have this unique capacity for a relationship with God. If God is a God of love, if God is intrinsically a God of relationship, we are made for that purpose. This being made in the image of God means that we have particular attributes. That connect us with the divine. Rationality, morality, spirituality, and almost this deep personal sense of that there is a God." [51:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This sense that there is more than just my immediate things each day. That there is more than just putting the food on my table. More than just kicking a football. More than just attending a workplace. There is more. This is the source of this searching. This idea you can find it in all forms of literature, poetry, in books, in movies. This searching for more. This searching for this sense of life being more than just today. In fact, life being even more than just my lifespan." [52:42] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because we read at the very end of the Word of God about this glorious destiny for humanity. I heard a loud shout from the throne saying, look, God's home is now among his people. He will live with them and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. No more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. Why? Because we are made for God." [54:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are made for a purpose. We are made to search meaning and it's only found in Jesus. Because that's what we're made for." [56:43] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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