Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four
Part One
We are all created to live for something greater than ourselves. What is also true of every one of us is that if we don’t embrace our true purpose in life we will face our shadow purpose. Our shadow purpose is when we are tempted to live for something unworthy or dark or selfish. We face moments when we choose to take another step into our true purpose for living – or take a step into the shadows.
Discover
Read Genesis 1:26-31. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?
Discuss
1. We often pray and think about God at work in us, but how often do you pray and plan for God to work through you, impacting your friends, family and colleagues? Discuss.
2. How do you live a life beyond yourself? What does that actually mean in everyday life? Discuss. (Genesis 1:26-30)
3. Adam and Eve lived their lives in a “shadow purpose” having chosen not to obey God. (Genesis 3:21-24) Are there choices in your life just now that are taking you into a “shadow purpose”, of potential unforgiveness, secrecy, shame or isolation? Discuss.
4. Satan tempted Jesus with a “shadow purpose” of being a Messiah with no suffering, no opposition and no cross. (Luke 4:3-12). How did Jesus deal with His potential “shadow purpose”? (Luke 22:42). How do you identify your life’s greater purpose from God versus your “shadow purpose”?
5. What are some strategies to heighten your awareness to some potential bad choices and live your one and only life well? Discuss.
Respond
Key relationships were so important to Jesus. He was always putting Himself into community. Who can you allow to walk with you to help you grow spiritually and to help keep you accountable as you move forward in your faith journey?
Part Two
God is accomplishing His purposes in our time and in our church. Jesus invites us to participate. He wants us to enjoy His work, to see people hear and follow and honour Him. We need to see the opportunities He has put before us. We need to hear His urgency, “Open your eyes now!”
Discover
Read John 4:34-36. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?
Discuss
1. Jesus habitually nourished Himself in prayer and in the Scriptures. Here He feeds Himself by doing His Father’s will. How can “doing” rejuvenate you?
2. Who were the ripe “fields” Jesus referred to? Who are the “fields” God has given you?
3. Read Isaiah 43:19-21. When God gives life, it is striking and beautiful and heart-warming. What might it look like for His purposes to be realised in your family, friends or colleagues this year?
4. Jesus prayed that His followers would be united with God and each other (John 17:20-21). How might you help new followers of Jesus participate in Christian community this year?
5. It is easy to say “the harvest is months away” (John 4:35). Identify some strategies to help us deal with our natural inclination to put God’s priorities on the back burner.
Respond
If this year is to be year of greater purpose for you, will you choose to serve at Crossway, become a member, start to tithe or prayerfully realise the missional opportunity that only you have with your relationships?
Part Three
We are called to live lives on mission. Beyond that we are called to be disciples that multiply. The book of Acts is replete with stories of men and women who were well regarded by the community, known to be full of the Holy Spirit and responsive to His promptings. They were also known to be wise in the way they lived out their faith. These qualities positioned them to live faithful and fruitful lives.
Discover
Read Acts 8:26-35. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?
Discuss
1. How would you describe the qualities of a disciple that multiplies?
2. How do you measure the place that God has in your life? (Acts 6:3)
3. What words would people use to describe your reputation?
4. What difference has God made to the type of worker/person that you are? (Acts 6:15)
5. How “up-front” is your spirituality? (Acts 6:5)
6. What was the most recent “prompting” of the Holy Spirit that you acted on and what was the result? (Acts 8:26)
Respond
Ask God to prompt you and give you an opportunity this week to be Jesus in your work/home/school environment. Ask Him to give you courage and obedience to the Holy Spirit and the words to say in the situation that He makes you aware of.
Part Four
We are all called to live a larger life and greater purpose with Jesus. Through every battle, challenge and opportunity we can always lean into His wisdom, compassion and power. If we are going to live into this greater purpose and bring positive change into other people’s lives we need to be constantly expecting and listening for His voice. We need to respond to His promptings and obey His commands. If we do this a whole different kind of life opens up for us.
Discover
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?
Discuss
1. What is your understanding of living “for a greater purpose”?
2. What is the difference between religion and having a relationship with God? (John 10:27, Phil 3:10)
3. Is it possible to be a Christian and not hear or respond to the Holy Spirit? (Hebrews 3:15)
4. Describe what your personal posture is for listening to God, or maybe that is something yet to be learned, what could it look like? (1 Samuel 3:10)
5. God chooses to work in partnership with us, He chooses to work in us and through us. How do you recognise and respond to a God prompt?
6. What does it look like in your every day life to acknowledge who God is and to acknowledge who we are in relationship to Him?
Respond
Ask God to help you recognise His prompt to you this week and then ask Him for the courage and wisdom to obey that prompt. Next week, share the results of this with your Life Group.
Watch full sermons – A Greater Purpose