the Keys to

Happiness

 

Week 4 – Purpose in a Random World

 

 

I. There’s a Creator and You’re Not Him

           

            Question:  Who gets the glory in your life, in your relationships and in the church?

           

            Scriptures:  Col. 1:15-18, Eph. 1:11-14, 3:20-21, I Cor. 10:31, I Peter 2:9-10        

 

            We live in a selfish world where we human “creatures” begin to think we are the Almighty Creator.  If we are uncomfortable, inconvenienced or if we just don’t get our way, we think something is terribly wrong.  But the Bible teaches us that we were created by God for His glory and not our own.  Think about ways you sometimes focus too much on your own glory.  Now decide on how you will work on your heart this week to give God, not you, the praise.

           

II. Created to Know and Love God

           

            Question:  What is the primary purpose of your life on earth?

           

            Scriptures:  Mark 12:28-31, Acts 17:24-28, Jer. 24:6-7, 31:33-34, Ps. 36:5-10

 

            Everyone in the world (and even disciples!) can at times become so busy “doing what we do” that we forget the main reason God put us here: to know and love Him. This search to have a relationship with our Creator leads us to our conversion, motivates our obedience and lasts a lifetime. How deep and fulfilling is your walk with God right now?  What can you do today to get your heart back to your primary purpose?  What will be your rewards if you do?

 

III. Created to Transcend the Temporary

           

            Question: Are you focusing on eternal or temporary things?

           

            Scriptures: II Cor. 4:16-18, I Cor. 13:8-13, Rom. 1:21-25, 2:7, I Tim. 4:7-8, Lk. 10:38-42

 

            As Christians we know that being spiritually successful is more important than physically blessed, but sometimes we get so busy we forget what matters most.  In truth, most of the things we fret about today will prove to be meaningless in the eternal scheme of things.  Keep a running list of the things you are busy with, and concerned about.  Continue to ask yourself, “Which of these things will matter most in the long run?”  Focus on the eternal things!

           

 

 

IV. Created for Christlikeness

           

            Question:  Are you moving on toward maturity in Christ?

           

            Scriptures:  Eph. 4:11-13, 3:1-11, II Pet. 1:3-8, II Cor. 17-18, Col. 3:1-4

           

Life gets pretty stale if we don’t feel like we’re getting somewhere.  God created us to grow, both physically and spiritually.  And more specifically, He wants us to become more and more like His Son Jesus.  Think about areas of your life that have not yet become very Christlike.  What are your dreams for your future in these areas?  What will you do today to try to get one step closer to maturity in Jesus?

 

V. Created to Change the World

           

            Question:  Are you living a life of lasting impact?

           

            Scriptures:  Mk. 1:14-20, Matt. 5:13-16, I Thes. 2:19-20, Col. 1:28-29     

           

It’s sad that so many human beings will miss heaven because they reject the Lord’s offer of eternal life in heaven.  But it’s also sad that they miss out on God’s offer of an abundant and effective life here on earth.  They squander their years on endless busy days that waste precious time and leave no legacy.  But disciples can live lives of eternal consequence. Write down some things you would like to be included in your funeral eulogy.  What will you be remembered for?

 

VI. Keep Your Priorities Straight

           

            Question:  Are you putting “first things first” in your life?

           

            Scriptures:  Matt. 6:31-33, Heb. 10:23-27, Phil. 2:1-4, Eph. 5:15-17         

           

Time, like money, gets wasted so easily! If we don’t plan and make firm decisions to budget our time, our lives tend to become chaotic and ineffective.  God’s word helps us focus on the things that need to take first place on our to-do list.  How are you doing in the areas the Lord says to put first?  In prayer and Bible study?  In attending worship services?  In serving the needs of others? In doing your part to build up God’s church? 

 

VII. Created for Blessings and Inheritance

           

            Question:  Are there rewards for the righteous?

           

            Scriptures:  Eph. 1:13-14, Col. 3:23-25, Heb. 10:35-36, 11:6, Mk. 10:28-30

           

God doesn’t owe us anything, but He graciously offers us an abundant life!  At times, we can be so “convicted” and “devoted” that we forget that we are God’s sons and daughters and not slaves.  In fact, there are tons of scriptures that speak of our blessings, rewards and inheritance!  Take time this week to list and think about all the blessings and rewards God has given (and promised to give) to you, both in this life and the life to come.