Message Series // Gifts + Passion = Purpose (Part 2 – Passion)
Message Date // October 10, 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
“Passion” is defined as any powerful or compelling emotion…a strong enthusiasm or desire for anything. All of us are passionate about certain things in life. It could range from hobbies to occupations to world issues. Share with the group some of interesting and fun things you are passionate about.
Read Nehemiah 1:1-10. We are introduced to a guy named Nehemiah who lived during the 5th century BC. He is of Jewish descent, but he is living in exile among the Babylonians, one of the most powerful nations of the time. Nehemiah is serving as the cupbearer for the king when his brother comes with some news that changes the trajectory of Nehemiah’s life. What news did Nehemiah’s brother came with, and why do you believe it moved Nehemiah’s heart so much? Has there been anything in your life that has moved you like this before? Why do you think God would give us passions for certain things?
Read Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 2:10. Part of living out our God-given purpose is understanding the passions He has embedded in our souls. They could be something noble or ordinary, but God has put them there for a reason. Discovering your passions could come from things that stir up your righteous anger, areas that bring you joy, past experiences you’ve endured, or personal values that are important to you. When it comes to the things you are passion about, how were they discovered in your life? Do you have a sense of why God has put them there?
Next Steps
Engage in this exercise. Imagine it is the day of your funeral, and the most important people in your life went up to the podium and shared about your life. What would you want them to remember what you were passionate about? What would you want them to share? Then think about one next step you need to take to make sure this happens.