WEEK FOUR
CORE VALUE:
PURPOSE IN THE WORLD
GROUP STUDY
Watch the introduction video together.
Break into gender-specific groups of 4-5 people. Take turns reading each section aloud.
The number one question we all ask is, “What is the meaning of life? Why am I here?” So many people live their lives with no sense of purpose or meaning. Instead, they drift through life unfulfilled, going from job to job and relationship to relationship, looking for purpose, value, and worth. Just about the time they seem to find it, it slips right through their hands.
That’s not God’s desire or design for our lives. He doesn’t want anyone to drift through life unfulfilled. Psalm 139:6 says, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” God has a purpose and a plan for every person’s life. You matter to God, and He has great plans for you.
Our identity is not found in the things we do or accomplish. Our identity is found in Christ alone. It’s in Jesus that we find the acceptance, approval, and affirmation we all desire. It’s in Him that we discover the life we were truly meant to live. When we look to God, He begins to unlock the purposes and plans He has for our lives. You were created on purpose for a purpose.
Our fourth Core Value is this: “Purpose in the world is found in Jesus.” God created each of us with a primary purpose and a personal purpose. God’s primary purpose is the same for every person. We are all created to take the hope, healing, peace, and purpose of Jesus into our world. But we also have a personal purpose. Your personal purpose involves your work, school, family, and the community where God has placed you. God has given each of us unique gifts, abilities, personality, and life experiences to fulfill our primary and personal purpose in this world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think people struggle to find lasting purpose and meaning in the things of this world?
How does understanding that God created you with both a primary and personal purpose change the way you view your everyday life?
We find “Purpose in the World” through the Core Practices of Generous Giving and Sacrificial Serving.
CORE PRACTICE:
GENEROUS GIVING
Watch the Generous Giving video together.
We are called to live generously with what God has entrusted to us. Generosity is one of the clearest ways we reflect the heart of God to the world. No one should outgive the people of God. Everything we have is a gift from Him and ultimately belongs to Him. What the world may see as foolish, God calls wisdom. Giving is not an obligation; it is an opportunity. An opportunity to be a blessing to others, grow in our faith, and trust in God.
Here are a few helpful guidelines when it comes to generosity:
• Pray and ask God to give you a heart of generosity.
• Look for opportunities to give not only to the church, but to those around you.
• Begin giving 10%. If you are unable to give 10%, pick a percentage and begin working toward 10%.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Which step toward generosity feels most natural for you, and which one challenges you the most right now?
THIS WEEK’S ACTION STEP
What is one specific step you will take to grow in this practice?
CORE PRACTICE:
SACRIFICIAL SERVING
Watch the Sacrificial Serving video together.
Sacrificial Serving is choosing daily to show the love of Jesus in tangible ways. Sacrificial Serving means laying down our plans and preferences in order to live for Christ’s purposes. Through serving, we reflect the life of Jesus and demonstrate His love to a broken world.
We can serve the church in many ways, including being part of the Host Team, Production Team, Office Team, Prayer Team, Small Group leadership, Core Kids, Core Youth, Facility Team, or Special Events. We can also serve in our community by helping a neighbor, providing a meal, assisting a coworker, caring for those in need, fostering, or volunteering locally.
Serving is not about position; it is about purpose. It is about being available to God wherever He places you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Where is one place, in the church or in our community, where you could begin serving more intentionally?
THIS WEEK’S ACTION STEP
What is one specific step you will take to grow in this practice?
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