Many of our groups are taking some time off in June and July, but I am providing discussion questions for those of you that are continuing on!
Why don’t you join my 4-week crash course on “Knowing God?” Tap the picture above to get to the course info and registration.
What are we even here for? What is our purpose here?
Your group probably got really quiet right there, didn’t they?
It seems like too deep a question to really answer, but God answers it for us.
Isaiah 43:7 NLT
“I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”
The Westminster Catechism begins with sort of a “purpose statement” for us. You probably recognize it:
Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.
-Westminster Catechism
Do you agree with that statement?
If my purpose is to glorify God, how do I do that in my life? How well am I doing with that?
On Sunday morning, I talked about “leaning in,” and “pointing your chin” in his direction in order to know Him more, and to fulfill your purpose… Here is how Paul talks about it:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Paul talks about being disciplines, and running with purpose. How often do we find ourselves running, but without purpose? What is the difference between being busy and being productive in your purpose?
How often do we find ourselves too busy to fulfill our purpose?
What kinds of things should we do to “discipline” ourselves to live out his purpose more?
(hint: sign up for my 4-week crash course!)
What did that look like for Paul? (see the following verses)
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
What kept Paul from running aimlessly?
FIX YOUR EYES
What are some practical discipline measures for us to KNOW GOD?
The things of value: RUBBISH!
Phil 3:7-11