Week 1 – Does Life Have a Purpose? | Jan 13 – 19, 2019
Message Big Idea
We were created to live in a relationship with God. Life is meaningless without God, but God gives everything meaning.
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 & Matthew 6:25–34
Ice Breaker
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever had to Google?
Opening Thought
The goal of today is to have an open conversation. This is a safe place for questions and no one has all the answers here. When we’re tackling large questions, it’s easy to think others have already figured it out and we’re left behind, but we’re all seekers and questioners on this journey today talking about purpose and significance. What are some of the ways you’ve heard others define life’s purpose?
Bible Discussion
- Read Ecclesiastes 1:2-11, what stood out to you? What is the author saying here?
- Have you ever had a period when life felt meaningless? If so, what was it like?
- Read Matthew 6:25-34, how does this compare to the message of the Ecclesiastes scripture?
Life Application
- Have you ever felt that if you find the right job, meet the right person, or have the right bank balance that then life would satisfy you? What are some ways you’ve sought significance or satisfaction?
- What are ways you’ve envied other people’s lives? Read the quote from Jim Carey and discuss: “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
- Can you share both a time when life seemed like a random series of events and a time when it seemed like there was an intentional plan unfolding?
- In what ways might someone’s view of eternity affect their sense of meaning and purpose?
- If you believe we all have a purpose, what role does God play in that—if any? What role is God currently playing in your life?
Challenge
Spend some time this week thinking through what your life is oriented around. Can you pinpoint a set of values or beliefs that underpins your decisions? Are you happy with those values and beliefs or is it time for re-evaluation and a potential change? Whether you’re already a Christ-follower or simply searching for answers, consider praying Blaise Pascal’s famous prayer every day this week: “God if you are real, make yourself real to me.”
