John 12:25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. NIV
There is temporal life and there is eternal life. The perspective and priorities that are born from focusing on that which is temporal is very different from the perspective and priorities that are born from focusing on that which is eternal.
Humanity seems to be on this continual quest for more. It is as if we are never satisfied no matter what we achieve or acquire. We are thrilled to get a new job only to find ourselves wishing we had a different job in the near future. Relationships, financial progress, cars, houses, etc all fulfill us briefly and then the fulfillment is lacking once again.
We were born for more than what this world can ever provide. The best moment this world has to offer still is reduced to a moment that passes and can’t fulfill. You were designed by God for more than the pursuit of a moment.
Eccl 3:11…He has planted eternity in the human heart… NLT
The reason the grass is always greener on the other side is because you were designed to live somewhere else for eternity.
Only God’s eternal purpose activated in your life will ever provide you with the sense of fulfillment otherwise continually be searching for more.
Ps 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. NKJV
You were designed by God to live a life filled with eternal purpose. This only results when God’s eternal word is awakened in your heart.
Heb 11:2-3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. (NAS)
Old Testament elders who received a word from God and believed it into existence shaping their world. This Greek word for “worlds” isn’t “cosmos” but rather it’s “aion” speaking of a span of time or more specifically the generation we serve with our lifetime. Hearing God’s wisdom, guidance and direction will mobilize you to believe His word into existence for your generation impacting generations to come. Ferdinand Foch said, “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”
Abram received and believed a word of covenant from God. David’s word was one of friendship and kingship. Mary received and believed a revelation of the Messiah. Martin Luther ushered in a word of how the just live by faith. Oral Roberts believed a word of healing and prosperity into his generation. Kenneth Haggan believed a word of faith into his generation. No man r woman of God believes and receives their word into their world without opposition. Faith makes things possible not easy. We must stay engaged in conversation with God.
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
Spend time alone with God every day this week asking Him to reveal more clearly some details about your purpose.
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
YOUR WORD FROM GOD
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Are you more of a starter or a finisher? What makes you say that?
2. Have you ever had a sense of direction you felt was from God? Explain
Heb 11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of {things} hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. (NAS)
This is such an interesting phrase in Scripture, “By faith…worlds were prepared by the word of God”. The word “worlds” isn’t “cosmos” but rather “aion” as in a period of time or a generation. Over time generations have been shaped by men and women who get a word from God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
3. Who are some people, either in the Bible or from modern times, who seem to carry a consistent theme or idea from God? Here are a few ideas. Can you think of more?
a. Abraham = Covenant of faith
b. Martin Luther = The just shall live by faith
c. Billy Graham = Believe in Jesus and be saved.
You were designed by God to serve as part of His story to your generation. Any story is written with words and everybody has a word from God in operation in their lives.
Eccl 3:11 God has put eternity in your heart.
If you only spend your life living for the temporal you will always wonder why you’re life is lacking.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
4. After reading Psalm 32:8 explain the role God plays in decisions about your life.
Explain how this verse does or does not define your approach to decision-making?
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. NIV
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
5. Do you have any divine burdens?
What makes you think this thought: “This isn’t right. Someone needs to do something about this!”
Your work is seeded in your life as an assignment from God. There is something God wanted done that makes you necessary. You are not an accident. You are not an experiment. You are a purposed assignment from God.
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
Spend time alone with God every day this week asking Him to reveal more clearly some details about your purpose.