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Introduction:
Life can be confusing. Almost everyone struggles with their identity and eventually joins the quest for finding purpose in life. We spend our days trying to be in charge, achieve, and belong. These struggles are all elements of the journey to discovering what life is all about. Incorrect assumptions of the purpose of life can lead to bad decisions and empty and distracted living, but finding the true purpose of life leads to focused and fulfilled living.
“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly 35like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.” —Luke 21:34-35
This collection of talks will provide answers from the Bible to four of the most important questions people ask:
September 5th “Why Am I Here on This Earth?”
September 12th “Can I Be Happy and Fulfilled in Life?”
September 19th “How Do I Make the Most of My Life?”
September 26th “What Happens After I Leave This Earth?”
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-17 (Old Testament, CSB)
THINK WEEK #3: “How Do I Make the Most of My Life?”
Today’s Takeaway: Today is a gift - that’s why it’s called the “Present.”
I. GOD HAS A
IN EVERY SEASON (vv. 1-11a)
14 Positives and 14 Negatives
P: a time to be born - N: a time to die
P: a time to plant - N: a time to pluck up
P: a time to heal - N: a time to kill
P: a time to build up - N: a time to break down
P: a time to laugh - N: a time to weep
P: a time to dance - N: a time to mourn
P: a time to gather stones - N: a time to cast away stones
P: a time to embrace - N: a time to refrain from embracing
P: a time to get - N: a time to lose
P: a time to keep - N: a time to cast away
P: a time to sew - N: a time to rend
P: a time to speak - N: a time to keep silence
P: a time to love - N: a time to hate
P: a time of peace - N: a time of war
A. God never does anything by
“Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like me. 10I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will.” —Isaiah 46:9-10
B. God’s plans are always
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” —Romans 8:28-29
II. YOUR
KICKS IN DURING CONFUSING TIMES (v. 11b)
A. We will face
“Jesus answered him, ‘What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand’.” —John 13:7
B. We must choose to
“We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed — beyond our strength — so that we even despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” —2 Corinthians 1:8-9
III. ENJOYING LIFE IS A
(v. 12)
A. God wants you to
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” —Psalm 118:24
B. God wants you to live each day to the
“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:11-13
IV. EVERY DAY IS A
FROM GOD (v. 13)
A.
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — 9not from works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” —Ephesians 2:8-10
B. Do not
“When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.” —Proverbs 3:27
“Only one life, so soon it will pass, and only what is done for Christ will last.” —Charles Studd (C. T. Studd), Missionary to China
V. WE ARE
FOR OUR TIME (vv. 14-17)
A. Every follower of Jesus Christ will give an
“But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” —Romans 14:10-12
B. So
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you live — not as unwise people but as wise — 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” —Ephesians 5:15-17
CONCLUSION: How will you make the most of your life?
“Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire.” —Psalms 37:4 (Good News Bible)
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
Read Romans 8:28-29. Discuss an event or situation that didn’t seem “good” at the time, but later you saw how God was working through it.
Pastor Gary talked about how enjoying life is a choice. What can you do to remind yourself to choose joy?
Read Proverbs 3:27. What can you do this week to stop procrastinating and get to work doing what God has called you to do?
Discuss one strategy that you can implement this week to better use your time wisely.