How to Prepare for God's Purpose in Your Life
Genesis 28
All of us can probably call to mind moments in life where we felt out of our element, troubled, and disconnected. Why is that? Is it because God is working in that situation, but you are not sure how? Have you ever wondered if you’ve been sitting in the midst of the divine presence and nature of God and not known it? This week, we are going to discuss how we, as believers, can become acutely aware of God's ever-present activity in our lives. When we see this clearly, we can prepare our lives to actively engage in fulfilling God’s purpose through our daily actions and decisions.
1. What stood out to you in Pastor James’ sermon this week?
2. Read Genesis 28:10-13. God will remind you of who you are before he ever shares what you need to do. It’s in your identity that you find your purpose. Who initiated the conversation in these passages? What is God saying to Jacob? Why is that important at this time in Jacob’s life?
3. Read Genesis 28:14. God has a purpose for you; it’s not merely to receive God’s blessing, but to bless others through you. How is God going to bless people? How have you seen God bless people through the Church? How have you been blessed through the Church?
4. Read Genesis 28:15. What is God saying to Jacob here? Can you think of some promises God has given the Church about being a blessing to those around us? (Here are some verses to help spur your thinking: Psalm 112:5; Psalm 37:26; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 20:35; Proverbs 11:24; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:10; 1 Timothy 6:18-19; Hebrews 6:10; Matthew 25:44-45)
5. Read Genesis 28:16-17. What was Jacob afraid of? Can you think of anything more frightening than the idea that God was present and that you missed it? What comes to your mind when you think of the “Gate of Heaven”?
6. Pastor James taught us that we have a "Spiritual Authority" and that we need to learn how to utilize it best. Read Matthew 16:18-19. We have been given authority to open and close the gates. According to these verses…
-Who is building the Church?
-Who is the Church?
-What is Jesus giving us?
-What are we given authority to do?
-What does all of this mean to you?
7. Pastor James also taught us that we are to “Engage in God's Purposes.” Read Matthew 6:9-10. Jesus taught us to pray, claiming God’s will to be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. According to what we have already discussed today, what is God’s plan for bringing Heaven to earth? What does that mean to you?
In an effort to bring Heaven to earth, God uses your words to get people’s eyes off what is going on in front of them and onto what God can do. God uses those words and actions to transform people’s lives and to bring heaven to earth.
When we give, it’s an opportunity for God to use our resources to allow more people to come to see the greatness and goodness of Jesus Christ. Our finances are an opportunity for God to bless us but also to bless others. Giving is the gate of heaven.
As a group, take some time to pray for the expansion offering. Pray for the people whose lives will be changed through our location in Deland, our new location in Daytona, and the 100 churches around the world. Ask God to give you the eyes to see our world change as we partner with Him to bring Heaven to earth. Finally, ask God to show you how He would want you to participate in the expansion offering in December.