Message Series // Gifts + Passion = Purpose (Part 1 – Gifts)
Message Date // October 3, 2021 (Scotty Priest)
Big Idea
As we continue through life, whether we are seventeen years old or seventy-seven, we are probably asking some version of this basic question…“What is my life purpose?” Why are we asking this question? Because we want this one shot at this thing called “life” to count. At Journey, we believe every human was created on purpose for a purpose, and this purpose is to KNOW Jesus and make him KNOWN. However, how each of us uniquely lives out this purpose is different. Over the course of this series, we hope to dive into how God has created you through unique gifts and passions, and how those ultimately help you live out your God-given purpose.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
– Ephesians 2:10
Discussion
Read Ephesians 2:10. How amazing is it that God has created us on purpose for a purpose! But sometimes it’s not always easy to understand this. As you have lived life, have you asked yourself any of the following questions?
- What am I doing with my life?
- Am I on the right track?
- Does my life matter?
- Am I doing what I’m supposed to do?
Am I making a difference?
Do you remember any specific moments in life when you’ve asked any of these questions? Why is it okay to wrestle with these questions of life purpose? Why is it important to figure out God’s purpose for your life?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-20. One of the key things we can do to find out our unique purpose is to understand “spiritual gifts”. When we make the decision to start following Christ by believing in him as our Lord and Savior, God gives us spiritual gifts. According to the Bible, we all have different gifts…and the Church needs everyone’s gifts. What has been your understanding of “spiritual gifts” in the past? Why are gifts such a vital part to the Church, and why is it important that we all have different ones?
Read Romans 12:4-8. Spiritual gifts have been placed in our lives for the service of other people. In other words, God has given us gifts for both our ENJOYMENT and our DEPLOYMENT. The lists of spiritual gifts here in Romans isn’t an exhaustive list, but it does provide examples. Name some of the spiritual gifts the Bible lists. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? If so, how are you currently exercising those gifts for God’s purposes in your life?
Next Steps
A great next step is to have fun actually learning what your spiritual gifts are. Go to our Journey website to take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory. (www.JourneyColorado.com/Discover) Find out your spiritual gifts, and share the results with your small group.