What Is God's Will For My Life, And What Is My Purpose? | Week 1
January 12, 2025 | By Jim Burgen
Ever wonder what God really wants for your life? You’re not alone. Thousands of people ask this same question every day—What’s my purpose? Am I on the right track? Here’s the truth: God’s will isn’t about easy paths, guaranteed success, or just doing what "feels right." It starts with one thing—becoming more like Jesus. That’s it. When your mind aligns with His truth and you stop chasing the world’s version of success, clarity comes. Want to know if you’re in God’s will? It’s time to rethink how you think. Let’s talk about it.
Set List
"Praise" by Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Pat Barrett, and Steven Furtick
"Who Else" by Abbie Gamboa, Josiah Funderburk, and Zac Rowe
"Made For More" by Blake Wiggins, Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith, and Josh Baldwin
"Goodness Of God" by Ed Cash and Jenn Johnson
Discussion Questions
God’s Will
Jim Burgen
Jan 12th, 2025
// Bible References: Phil 4:13; 1 Peter 3:17; John 11:35; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Thess 4:3-5
// Community Question: Take a poll in your group, and see how many think God’s Will has an influence on the following areas: 1) Sports 2) Where you live 3) Your job 3) Who you marry 3) The number of kids you have 4) How you spend your money
// Discussion Questions
- Jim discussed people often have a predetermined plan when they ask about God's will. Why do you think we tend to approach God with our own agenda instead of being open to His guidance? Think of a time when you tried to push a plan without checking if it aligned with God's will. How did it turn out?
- Jim pointed out that just because something is easy or seems like an opportunity doesn't mean it's God’s plan. How can we discern whether the 'open doors' we encounter in life are God's will or influenced by other forces? Can you think of a situation where you faced an easy opportunity but realized later it wasn't the right choice? What did you learn from that?
- Jim shared that just because we want to feel happy doesn't mean it's aligned with God's purpose for us, and that pursuing happiness is not necessarily God's will for our lives. How can we shift our mindset from seeking happiness to seeking God's character and will? What steps can you take in your daily life to seek God's character over your own desire for happiness?
- Jim emphasized that offering ourselves to God means surrendering our desires and decisions for Him to guide them. How does the idea of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice change the way we think about our actions and choices in life? In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to surrender and allow God to lead? How might you begin to change that?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. Jim explained that sanctification is about becoming more like Jesus and the primary goal in our lives as Christians. What do you think it means to be 'sanctified'? Why is this considered God's will for every Christian? Reflect on your own life: in what specific areas do you feel you need to grow to become more like Jesus?
// Challenge: What decisions or desires are you facing in your life that you feel might go against the character of Christ? Are you willing to share those circumstances with the group?
