Identity and Purpose Matter…A Lot

Sermon Summary:

This week, Pastor Ben Goodman emphasizes the critical importance of understanding our identity and purpose and that God’s answers to the fundamental questions of “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” are paramount. As we walk through Scripture, examining God’s relationship with humanity, we see that God created us for good works, owns us, and that He is absolutely singular: an all-wise God who provides guidance through His word. And the most amazing thing of all? He loves us as a father. This is transformational. Will you step into that love and follow Him?

Scripture References from the Sermon

Ephesians 2:10   |   1 Corinthians 6:19-20   |   Isaiah 45:5   |   Isaiah 55:9   |   Isaiah 40:13   |   Joshua 1:8   |   1 Thessalonians 2:11-12   |   Hebrews 12:6

Discussion Questions

• There are two questions that humanity has been striving to answer for all of history: “Who am I?” And “What is my purpose?”. For each of us, the answers to these questions form the core of our entire world view. Agree or disagree? Why?
• Is anyone willing to share about something that they designed or built that worked really well? How about something that didn’t operate well? How did you feel? Now read Ephesians 2:10. In this passage, what was God’s goal in creating us?
• Look at 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Discuss: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”
• Read Isaiah 45:5a. Why do you think God wants to remind us that He alone is God? Why is our tendency to forget this?
• Have you ever found yourself in a conflict in which you absolutely KNEW you were right, but the other person would not concede? How did that make you feel? Read Isaiah 55:9, Isaiah 40:3, and Joshua 1:8. Discuss how you think God might feel when we act as if we know better than Him?
• Read 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 and Hebrews 12:6. The most amazing part of all of this is that God still chooses to love us like a good Father, the best Father. Sometimes this feels good, and sometimes it doesn’t. Why?

Event Highlights

• Pastor ryan invites you to a powerful night on May 28 to hear from guest speaker Patrick Lai. He is coming to equip us in a vital area: how to integrate faith and work in the everyday rhythms of life.
• Water baptism is an incredibly important moment in every believer’s walk with God. It is the outward declaration of an inward transformation, and it’s just around the corner on June 8!

Go to www.gracechurchsp.org/events for more information.