Week Three: Why Am I Here?

In this study guide, we’ll explore our purpose. Discover why we’re here and how God works to accomplish His good and perfect purposes for our lives and the world!

TALK IT OUT

Below, you’ll find some key discussion points to consider, questions to personally reflect on and/or discuss in your small group, with your family, or in your circle of friends, and some action points for the week.

Memory Verse of the Week: Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

“Why am I here?” No doubt we’ve all asked this at some point. It’s by God’s design and purposed will that we would wonder, ponder, and question as we pause and look at the world that surrounds us. Sadly, many go their entire lives wondering what their purpose is but never looking in the right place for the answer. Equally sad is how often people arrive at the conclusion that their lives and this world has no purpose or meaning.

But friends, our lives aren’t meaningless. There is beauty, order, and meaning to this universe, this world, and this life. You were made on purpose, with a purpose! What’s that purpose? The Westminster Shorter Catechism sums it up beautifully and briefly: “What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

From the moment we wake up, we’re to glorify God. On our commute in to work, we’re to glorify God. In the break room when the gossip mill starts to churn, we’re to glorify God. When it comes to our work ethic, we’re to glorify God. When we get recognized for going above and beyond in our job performance, we’re to glorify God. When we’re hit with an unexpected tragedy, we’re to glorify God. When we’re confused by what He’s allowing in our lives, we’re to glorify God. When our hands are lifted high in praise, we’re to glorify God. When we’re being irritated by another person, we’re to glorify God. When we’re betrayed by someone we trusted, we’re to glorify God. When we draw our final breath in this world, we’re to glorify God.

We were created to bring glory to God, to exalt and enjoy relationship with Him. We were made to know Him, be known by Him, and to make Him known! There is no higher calling or greater purpose. And this purpose can be fulfilled regardless of where we are.

Discussion Question 1: Why is it important for us to acknowledge and understand the reason we’re here? 

Limiting Beliefs and Liberating Truths

Limiting Belief: I have no purpose.

Liberating Truth: I was created for a purpose!

Discussion Question 2: How does the realization of what our purpose truly is help you to live a purposeful and content life?

Limiting Belief: I’ve messed up so bad, God can’t use me.

Liberating Truth: God wants to repurpose me!

Discussion Question 3: Why do you believe God uses imperfect people for His perfect purposes? How has He used you?

Limiting Belief: I’ll never find my purpose.

Liberating Truth: Discovering my purpose is a journey!

Discussion Question 4: Whose voice(s) are you seeking and listening to for guidance more than seeking God, your creator?

YOUR ROLE IN YOUR PURPOSE

Philippians 2:12–13 (NIV) says, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.’”

What does this mean? Well, it means God is the One who does the work in us to accomplish His purposes for us, and we have an active role in our purpose and in God’s work in our lives.

The word for work (katergazomai) essentially means to do our part with diligence, surrender, humility, and deep care. Therefore, we need to be devoted to growing our relationship with the Lord the same way someone works out their muscles in the gym! Think about it, you don’t make your muscles grow, right? Your body does that on its own, but you need to be consistent in your workouts and eating right.

So, what does this practically look like? It looks like being devoted to the study of the Word, to prayer, to living in community with His people, and to serving others. It means hearing from Him, speaking to Him, and being connected to His people. That’s our role—intimacy with the Lord; growing in relationship with Him! It’s that simple, friends!

And as we spend time with Him, He works in us to grow us, make us strong, and bring about those good purposes! So, we can take comfort in knowing that God does indeed do the work in us, so long as we spend time with Him and grow in relationship with our wonderful and loving Savior!

Discussion Question 5: What steps can you take this year to fulfill your role in God accomplishing His purpose and work in your life?

THIS WEEK

Consider how your daily decisions are impacted by your awareness of God’s purpose for your life and how can you increase this awareness.

A LOOK AHEAD

In our next study, we’ll discuss the mission of missions and how the Lord has positioned you to be a light to the people around you.