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A Different Purpose

Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do. EPHESIANS 5:17 CEV

God wants me to know my purpose in life

Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. EPHESIANS 5:17 NLT

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 NIV

To find divine purpose I must start with a different person

Carefully determine what pleases the LORD. EPHESIANS 5:10 NLT

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. EPHESIANS 3:6 NLT

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. EPHESIANS 6:19 NLT

I was chosen to explain to everyone, this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. EPHESIANS 3:9 NLT

God’s mission was global from the beginning

I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing…. all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. GENESIS 12:2-3 NIV

He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” ISAIAH 49:6 NLT

Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” GALATIANS 3:8 NIV

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. ROMANS 15:20 NLT

THE 10/40 WINDOW: WHERE 3.4 BILLION PEOPLE ARE UNREACHED WITH THE GOSPEL

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. EPHESIANS 5:16 NLT

How can I live differently to make the most impact globally?

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. PSALMS 67:1-2 NIV

I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. EPHESIANS 3:7 NLT

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language… REVELATION 7:9 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, offering to Jesus any burdens from your day. Invite God into this time, asking Him to help you be more real with yourself and Him as you consider your purpose in life. As you consider this, to what extent have you focused more on your own perspectives and direction rather than God’s? Confess those areas to Him now, and invite God in to reshape your focus in this area. When you think about the fact that God has chosen you to play an important role in His global ministry of bringing salvation to people in every country in the world, what feelings stir? Don’t get caught up in the “how”; simply allow yourself to sit in the thought that you have a role to play. As you consider this, ask God to show you what He is up to in the world and how you might be able to align your life with what He’s doing. Write down some practical steps in the space below. Thank God for this time together, and ask Him for reminders or further action steps throughout the week. Share with your community group where you might feel led to take action in these areas.

Discussion Questions

  1. PRG: When you think about your purpose in life, how much clarity do you have at the moment? Take a few minutes to engage with the Personal Reflection Guide (link found on the top of sermon notes). Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!
  2. REAL WITH SELF: We are called to be missionaries, both in our own communities and abroad. When you hear that five out of six non-Christians will never hear about Jesus unless someone goes to them, what feelings stir in you?
  3. REAL WITH SELF: Read Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT. God has put you here to make the most of your life. What could it look like to “make the most of every opportunity” for sharing the gospel?
  4. REAL WITH GOD: Read Psalm 67:1-2 NIV. The reason we ask for God's blessing and favor is so that His way and power might be known. How can we use the blessing God has given us to share Him and His power with others?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: One of the blessings God gives us is a different perspective. How can you view those who are different from you with the eyes of Jesus? Who in your life could be impacted as you remember this perspective?
  6. TAKE ACTION: Take some time right now to visit this resource for some next steps you can take personally. (https://sandalschurch.com/missions) What might God be calling you to take action on this week?