Big Idea

Purpose is found in living out our calling to love God and love people.

Scripture

Matthew 22:34-40, Psalm 139:13-16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:10

Opening Questions

1. What would you do if you could pursue any hobby or career and money was not a factor?
2. One question everyone asks and inevitably answers is: “What am I supposed to do with my life?” How have you answered that question in the past? How are you answering it now?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Matthew 22:34-40, Psalm 139:13-16, and Ephesians 2:10. What do you notice in these passages? How would you explain their meaning in your own words?
4. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What is this passage saying? What does it mean to trust God while you’re trying to figure out your purpose in life?

Life Application

If we are to have a strong sense of purpose in our lives, it is helpful to think through it using a three-part framework: Identity, Calling, and Assignment.

5. For Christians, our identity is grounded in our status as children of God regardless of any accomplishment or failure. In what way can a strong understanding of Identity help us live out our lives with purpose?
6. The second part of our framework is calling. All Christ-followers are called to love God and love others. This calling is the same for every person, no matter their gifts, abilities, and talents. In what ways is this insight helpful in determining purpose in life?
7. The final aspect of purpose is assignment. We might be tempted to view the idea of “assignment” as something we must do for God that’s detached from our current setting and life. However, for many of us, God wants us to use our gifts, personality, and story to love others where we live, work, and play. Have you ever had a sense of an assignment? How might God use you where you live, work, and play?
8. As you think about “Identity, Calling, and Assignment”, what aspect(s) of your purpose do you need to spend time exploring and developing? What can you do today?