Asking For a Friend: Does Life Have a Purpose?
Joshua Broome
Part of Sunday Notes
August 11, 2022

Asking For A Friend: Does Life Have a Purpose?
August 14, 2022
Joshua Broome

What is my purpose?


Surrender is the bridge that gets me to my purpose but self is the barrier that keeps me from my purpose.


• Surrender your heart
• Surrender your will
• Surrender your perspective
• Surrender your possessions
• Surrender your sin

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” —Matthew 22:36-39


For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. —Colossians 1:16 NIV


And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28 NIV

God is the author of life and truth.


Science agrees that time, space, and matter all came into existence simultaneously. So the catalyst for all three would have to be timeless, spaceless, and immaterial.

In the beginning (time) God created the heavens (space) and the earth (matter). —Genesis 1:1

God promises if we ask for wisdom He will provide it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. —James 1:5


My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. —Proverbs 3:1-13 NIV


Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. —Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV

Surrender your heart.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. —Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Surrender your will.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. —Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV

Surrender your perspective.

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. —Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV

Surrender your possessions.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. —Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV

Surrender your sin.


• Fully surrender your heart to God allows you to access your God given purpose.
• Submitting and knowing scripture.
• Where am I not submitting?


• Do I trust God?
• Is Jesus the Lord of my life or am I?
• Do I make the rules?


• When you receive correction receive it with humility.
• You can’t always trust your gut but you can always trust God.
• God has given you all you need to do all He has called you to do.

STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:15 … in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…


Stereotypically men seek purpose in their careers and women within their family. Are you seeking meaning and purpose for your life in something that is not God?


The Westminster Shorter Catechism states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Do you agree with this? If so, how have you aligned your life to this purpose? If not, what do you believe to be man’s purpose? From where do you draw this conclusion?


Read Proverbs 3:1-12

Surrender your heart (v.3-4)
What does the imagery of “tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart” evoke within you?

Surrender your will (v.5-6)
Share about a time when you have found it difficult to trust what the Bible says over what the world or your mind is telling you. How did you resolve the tension?


What are some key areas in your life where you haven’t been acknowledging God’s lordship? How can you grow in this area? How can your Small Group help you?

When difficult situations or decisions are at your door, what source do you typically turn to first for guidance/direction? Where do God, the Bible, and prayer typically place?


Surrender your perspective (v.7-8)
As humans we always think we know what is best for ourselves. Have you ever tried to persuade God to see it your way? Why can we have such a hard time letting God be in control?


Throughout Scripture there are regular references to staying away from evil.
Why is it so dangerous to rub shoulders with Satan? Are you getting too close to the fire in any areas in your life?


Surrender your possessions (v.9-10)
What does it mean for us today to honor God with our firstfruits?


How does our spending and our view of wealth and money reveal the condition of our hearts? See 1 Timothy 6:10.


Surrender your sin (v.11-12)

God loves you like a parent loves their child. And just as parents discipline their children, so God disciplines us. Whether by earthly parents or the Heavenly Father, how do you receive being disciplined?


How have you seen God’s discipline produce growth and positive results in your life?