Discovering God’s Purpose for My Life

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” MATTHEW 16:13-19 NLT

When I discover who Jesus is, I discover what my purpose is

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. MARK 8:35 NLT

My purpose is to join Jesus

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” MATTHEW 16:24 NLT
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” MATTHEW 4:19 NLT

Jesus is building his church

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. MATTHEW 16:17 NLT

The church is the family of God

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith. GALATIANS 6:10 NLT
… if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 TIMOTHY 3:15 NLT

The church must take ground

I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. MATTHEW 16:17 NLT

Barriers to church growth:

Lack of strategy

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. MATTHEW 10:16 NLT
A great cause with a bad strategy is a waste of time, money and energy.

Lack of resources

The church must build into its members
The church must raise up new leaders
The church must increase the spirit of generosity

Lack of urgency

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ROMANS 13:11 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

  1. In what ways has Jesus impacted your purpose in life?
  2. How has the relational strategy of being real with yourself, God and others worked in your life and in the lives of those around you?
  3. Jesus wants us to use our time, talents and resources to build his church. Which of these do you already give regularly? Which do you need to start giving?
  4. Have you taken the Real Workshops? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you be willing to take the Real Workshops to help you better understanding the vision and strategy of Sandals Church? (See sandalschurch.com/workshops for the schedule at your campus)
  5. How can your group help as we prepare to launch new campuses?
  6. Will you commit to pray that Sandals Church raises an additional $500,000 over and above our budget to open these new campuses by Easter of 2018?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can be quiet with God. Take a few deep breaths and close your eyes. Picture Jesus sitting before you. Sit in silence with him and ask yourself who he is to you. Ask him, too. After a few moments, list a few words that describe who he has been to you (e.g. stranger, friend, teacher, etc.). Hand these words over to him. Sit for a few more moments and ask him who he would like to be for you, how you would like him to be present with you in the future (e.g. savior, brother, defender, etc.). Ask him for these things, then stay here for a few moments and simply be with Jesus. As you go through your week, remember this time and ask God how he would like it to influence your life with him and others.

My Notes