PURPOSE Study Guide 091418.pages

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PURPOSE INTRODUCTION: We all want our life to matter and to mean something.  At different times in our lives we find ourselves asking, What is my purpose? or What is the point?   There is a catch to purpose in that every experience for His purpose with us taking the focus off ourselves, we will see that God saved us for something much bigger than ourselves. SCRIPTURES: • Jeremiah 29:11-13 • Proverbs 16:9 • Ephesians 2:10 • Psalm 103:14 • 2 Timothy 1:9 • Exodus 13:17-18 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. The definition of purpose is the reason for which something exists or is accomplished; a means to an end.  How is fulfilling our purpose a means to an end? 2. Every experience has a purpose.  What piece(s) of the puzzle are you struggling with right now?    3. In the example of Joseph (Genesis) and the children Israel (Exodus 13) we see that God has our purpose in mind, not just our preference. The extra miles in life are not God’s punishment. They are His provision.  Share a time when at the moment, it seemed like you were taking the long way in life but now that you can look back, you see how the pieces of that journey fit together as God’s preparation. 4. Breonna shared that purpose carries the momentum to move you through the barriers that would otherwise slow you up.  What is one way that you can encourage yourself during the challenging times to keep moving forward? 5. Cheryl Bachelder said, The point of purpose is to determine how you will serve others. If you don’t have a plan to serve, you don’t need a purpose.  How are you currently serving or how can you start serving others? MOVING FORWARD: How to become a means to an end: 1. Look at everything you are currently doing through the lens of means. 2. Pay attention to what stirs emotions within you and leads you to a path beyond you. 3. Surround ourselves with on purpose people. CHANGING YOUR MIND: • My purpose is not about me, it is about Him. That is what living out your purpose looks like. It is the ability to find purpose in whatever you find yourself doing. • The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  Proverbs 16:9 ©2018 Capital Community Church All Rights Reserved