Notes - 12th November 06

Bible passage:
John 15:1-7

The last of our studies on the themes in Rick Warren's book, 'The Purpose Driven Life', presents us with the challenge to live on purpose, and not just settle for existing.

Share, in your group, what you feel has impacted you through reading the book. It is translating ideas into actions that shows if we are moving towards living on purpose.

'Most people struggle with three basic issues in life. The first is identity: Who am I? The second is importance: Do I matter? The third is impact: What is my place in life?'

In summarizing the challenge of the book, Warren asks us to answer 5 questions. We shall base our thoughts on John 15:1-17 as we seek to answer them.

*What will be the centre of my life?

Read John 15:1-7. Remember the first sentence in Warren's book? 'It's not about you.' Is that honestly the truth about the way you are living your life? This is the question of worship. Who are you going to live for / build your life around? What's at the centre, especially when life starts breaking apart?

Jesus used the example of a vine and its branches to illustrate how our lives need to be united to Him if we are to live with real purpose. What does the image say to you about the nature of the bond that Jesus seeks to have with us? How does this union with Jesus begin? (John 3:3-6). How does this union with Jesus thrive and flourish?

*What will be the character of my life?

This is the question of discipleship. What kind of person will you be? God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do. Look at v1-4. What is the primary response that God is looking for in your life? Look at Galatians 5:22-23. What are the character qualities which God is especially challenging you to work on and develop in your life at this time? Several times Jesus talks urges, 'remain' or 'abide in me'. What do you think that means, how may we do this?

*What will be the contribution of my life?

This is the question of service. The reason that God seeks to save you is so that you might bear fruit in the world for him. Look at v5-8. Using the picture of the vine again, it is clear that the branch does not bear fruit for the branch to eat, but for others to eat. What may that mean for your life? Primarily, it suggests that we bear fruit when we win others to Christ and help them to grow. The greatest impact is the life we live, the character we show in everyday ways and situations, as well as the words we speak. In what ways do you find this comforting, and in what ways do you find this challenging?

*What will be the communication of my life?

This is the question of your mission to unbelievers. When Jesus speaks about branches that are unfruitful being thrown away, he is not making an implication that a Christian who does not produce fruit from their lives is in danger of losing their salvation. But he is talking about the danger of losing your ministry (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). How serious a concern is this to you?

*What will be the community of my life?

This is the question of fellowship. Read John 15:9-17. What of your on-going commitment to other believers and the family of God? Is it important to you? The more you mature, the more you will love the body of Christ and be willing to sacrifice for it. Is this true of you?

How many of us want the 'joy' described in v11? How is it inexorably linked with the commands of v12 & v13? In practical terms what may it mean for you to put into practice these commands in your life?

Rick Warren encourages us to write a detailed life-purpose statement that summarises the five key purposes that God has put on your heart through the course of reading the book. It should be brief, memorable and inspiring for us. Then we can remind ourselves of it frequently. He prints a few examples for us to consider, but we should come up with one of our own, that is specific to us. Perhaps you could work on this, and share it with your small group?

Warren suggests that working out your life purpose statement, and living it out, is actually what matters most in your life - and not the secondary issues that we allow to get priority.

'One day God will review your answers to these life questions. Did you put Jesus at the centre of your life? Did you develop his character? Did you devote your life to serving others? Did you communicate his message and fulfill his mission? Did you love and participate in his family? These are the only issues that will count. As Paul said, 'Our goal is to measure up to the plan God has for us.'

Spend time praying about these issues and seeking God's blessing on these areas in your life.