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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 1:1-11; 12:13-14 (Old Testament, CSB)
THINK WEEK #1: “Why Am I Here on This Earth?”
Today’s Takeaway:
A life in Christ is a life with purpose.
I. THE
OF A LIFE WITHOUT PURPOSE (1:1-11)
FOUR NEGATIVE RESULTS OF A LIFE WITHOUT GOD
A. Life seems
You feel empty.
B. Life seems
You feel bored.
C. Life seems
You feel restless.
D. Life seems
You feel insignificant.
II. THE ANSWER FOR A LIFE WITHOUT PURPOSE (12:13-14)
Solomon discovered that our purpose:
A. Is found in our
“The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose.” —Proverbs 16:4a
“Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” —Revelation 4:11
B. Is to fear
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverse) mouth, do I hate.” —Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)
“ … each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.” —1 Corinthians 3:13
C. Is to bring
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31
“Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20
FIVE WAYS TO HONOR GOD WITH YOUR LIFE
Honor God By:
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 13For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” —Romans 10:9, 13
“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” —Philippians 1:20-21
“It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:26-28
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.” —Proverbs 11:30 (KJV)
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ – and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” —1 Timothy 1:15-17
At City United Church, we are committed to helping people discover the purpose for life through authentic, transparent, and transformational living and worship.
City United Mission and Vision
Vision: To see New England transformed by making disciples and planting churches to multiply the kingdom of God.
Mission: To lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, resulting in MORE disciples and churches.
CONCLUSION: Have you discovered your purpose?
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:7-8
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
Reflect on the 4 negative results of a life without God. What was your life like before Christ?
Describe the moment that you realized that you needed a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. What does it mean to fear God and keep his commands?
Of the 5 ways to Honor God with your life, which one needs to be a focus right now? Why?