Designed to Do: Living on Purpose

KEY VERSES:

• John 16:33
• Ephesians 2:10
• 1 Peter 4:7–11
• James 4:14
• Matthew 24:43–44
• 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
• 1 John 3:16–18
• James 1:5
• 1 Corinthians 12:4–6
• Matthew 5:16
• Colossians 3:23–24
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• John 3:16
• Romans 10:9

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Why “On Purpose”? We slip into mental autopilot—busy, not intentional. God built us for meaningful action, not drift (Eph 2:10).
2. Attribute #1 — Motivation: Serve with urgency (1 Pet 4:7)
   Jesus will return; our days are limited (James 4:14). Stay clear-minded and prayerful so you don’t miss the moment (John 16:33; cf. Matt 24:43–44).
3. Attribute #2 — Attitude: Serve with love (1 Pet 4:8–9)
   Love is more than a feeling; it shows up in patience, kindness, forgiveness, and hospitality—no grumbling (1 Cor 13:4–7; 1 John 3:16–18).
4. Attribute #3 — Direction: Serve through your gifts & willingness (1 Pet 4:10)
   God already gave you something useful; start there. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Use your mix of gifts, abilities, and passions (1 Cor 12:4–6) and take humble, practical steps.
5. Attribute #4 — Purpose: Serve to glorify God (1 Pet 4:11)
   Whatever you do—seen or unseen—aim it at God’s glory, not your own (Matt 5:16; Col 3:23–24; 1 Cor 10:31).
6. Invitation: Trust Jesus first (John 3:16; Rom 10:9). Then let your everyday serving become your everyday worship.

TALK ABOUT IT:

1. Where am I most on “autopilot” right now, and what would urgency look like there (1 Pet 4:7; James 4:14)?
2. How has my definition of love drifted from the action-packed picture in 1 Cor 13:4–7?
3. Which gift, skill, or passion have I been “saving for later,” and what’s a simple way to use it this week (1 Pet 4:10; 1 Cor 12:4–6)?
4. When do I grumble most in serving, and what’s driving that (1 Pet 4:9)?
5. What would change if I truly worked “for the Lord, not for people” (Col 3:23–24)?
6. Who needs my hospitality or practical help right now—and what’s my first step?
7. If someone asked why I serve, could I explain it in one sentence that points to Jesus (Matt 5:16)?
8. Have I personally trusted Jesus, or am I hoping my “good” will outweigh my “bad” (John 3:16; Rom 10:9)?

APPLY IT:

• Set a service rhythm: Put one recurring act of service on your calendar (weekly check-in call, monthly meal train, team role at church).
• Pray before you scroll: Two minutes of “God, who needs me today?” before opening your phone (1 Pet 4:7).
• Practice hospitality without the grumble: Invite someone over this month—even if the house isn’t perfect (1 Pet 4:9).
• Name your gifts: List 3 skills + 3 passions; circle one overlap and use it for someone else this week (1 Pet 4:10).
• Do the hidden thing: Pick one unseen task and do it joyfully—no credit needed (Col 3:23–24).
• Respond fast: When a need pops up, take a first small step within 24 hours (text, ride, coffee, prayer).
• Build a support loop: Ask two trusted people how you can carry a burden for them this week (Gal 6:2).
• Share the why: When serving, mention—briefly—that God’s love is your reason (Matt 5:16).