REVIEW

In Scripture, The Heart always refers to the core of a person’s identity. It controls the intellect, emotions, and will.

“A person’s identity is the set of purposes, priorities, perspectives, and principles that are held, consciously or unconsciously, that guide their feelings, decisions, and behaviors.” —- Dr. Eric Moyer

Sin is an identity issue
Salvation is an identity solution
Sanctification is an identity process

*Principles are Identity’s Truths
*Perspectives are Identity’s Point of View

PREPARE

Our purpose is our Identity’s motivation. There are 2 main purposes in life: to love God and to love others. Jesus said;

“‘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.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” —Matthew 22: 37-39

Prepare for this week’s message by thinking through the implications of these verses: Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:12-13, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Peter 4:8, John 13:34-35

ATTEND

Verses: 1 Cor 10:31, 1 Cor 6:18-20, John 15:5-8, 1 Peter 2:12, and 1 Peter 4:8-12

Main Point: The purpose of the Christian life is to glorify God and love others like Jesus.

1. Following Jesus’ Example

2. Glorifying God

3. Serving and Reflecting

REFLECT

1. What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you? What did you learn about the character of God?
2. Why is knowing your purpose in life important? What are some of the purposes people live for? If you had a personal mission statement, what would it be? What is your purpose in life? Currently, how does your life align with your purpose?
3. Read 1 Cor 10:31. What does it mean to do everything for the glory of God? Go back and read the verse in context by reading 1 Cor 10:23-31. Does this help you understand the context of verse 31?
4. Read 1 Cor 6:18-20. Paul gave a specific example to the Corinthian church about honoring (“glorifying”) God. Paul concludes that Christ bought us. How did Jesus do that? Considering Jesus’ sacrifice, how are His followers supposed to live?
5. Read John 15:5-8. Jesus taught that a disciple’s connection with God is like a vine and branches. What are the implications of this analogy? Why is bearing fruit important for the Christian? What does it look like to bear fruit? Give examples. How does bearing fruit glorify God?
6. Read 1 Peter 2:12. What impact is living a good life and serving others designed to have? Why is loving others a powerful witness to the character of God? How does your life and good deeds bring glory to God?
7. Read 1 Peter 4:8-12. What perspective did Peter try to communicate to the people he was writing to? How are Christians to treat others? What is the motivation?
8. How does your life bring God glory? What areas of your identity would need to change to live a life that glorifies God?

ACT

- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- How can you deepen your relationship with God and follow Him more closely this week?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?