Shaping Hearts For God Series High School Bible Class Vegas Drive Church of Christ Las Vegas, NV Studies in the Life of Jesus Christ

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN LESSON TWO Today’s Lesson: Preparing ourselves for Jesus Theme: For us to prepare ourselves to live for Jesus and be ready for His second-coming Memory verse: Luke 2:10-11 Objective: To examine the scriptures that tell us our purpose in life Key terms: purpose, gospel

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN Key terms – Purpose “1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. 2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.” Something you are meant to do, a reason for being Purposes can be short-term or long-term, specific or general, self-centered or others-centered – Gospel Good news Specifically, the message of Jesus’ work and purpose, fulfilled and demonstrated in His death, burial, and resurrection

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN Understanding my purpose in life – People to turn to various sources to find meaning of life, reason for existence, purpose in the universe Psychology-based self-help books, which tell us to find purpose within ourselves Pursuit of pleasures and goals, leaping from one activity to another (did that work for Solomon?) Focus on personal abilities as the reason for their existence, saying things like “I was born to do this…” Seeking fulfillment in things that make them feel “needed” or valued or important, such as having children, taking on great responsibilities, etc. – Why can these things not provide lasting fulfillment and happiness? All are temporary All are self-based

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN Understanding my purpose in life – If you are in the store and notice a device you have never seen before, and you don’t know what its purpose is, what is the best way to find out? Some people play with it to try to figure it out Some people ask others if they know The best way is to read the manufacturer’s user manual – So what is the best way to discover your purpose? Read the manual written by the manufacturer (the Bible)! But some people still try to figure it out themselves Some people still want to ask other people

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN Understanding my purpose in life – Purpose gives us direction, something to aim for – Purpose gives meaning and value to existence – What do you think is your purpose in life? – Solomon sought to understand the meaning of life and purpose of man by indulging in all the pursuits of the world (gaining knowledge, wealth, relationships, hard work, etc.). In the end, he found that any life, or purpose in life, that is not centered on God, is a wasted life. Read his conclusion: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – Is a Christ-centered life a wasted one? (1 Cor. 15:58) – What should my purpose in life be?

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN What does the Bible say about our purpose? – Ephesians 1:3-6 To be holy and blameless To love God To be God’s children To live for God’s pleasure and will To praise God – 1 Peter 2:9-10 To be part of God’s royal family To be part of the priesthood To comprise a holy nation To be God’s possession To proclaim God’s excellencies For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:11-14)

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN The goal: to be ready when Jesus returns How can I accomplish this purpose? – Read Luke 12:35-46 What behaviors characterize the good servants? – They are ready, watching, waiting, alert, and expecting the return of their master – They do the work assigned to them so that the master will find them working when the he returns – They do not waste time or squander their opportunities – They do not abuse their position What are the consequences on the servants who did not fulfill their purpose?

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN The goal: to be ready when Jesus returns How can I accomplish this purpose? – Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 What does it take for a competitor to win? – Preparation, training, hard work, self-control – Abide by the rules of the competition – Finish…all the way to the end What do you think this means regarding our goal of going to heaven? How can you train yourself to do what is right? – Study God’s Word, learn what He wants me to do – Make a conscious and specific effort to do good things – Surround myself with people who will help me do right

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN The goal: to be ready when Jesus returns How can I accomplish this purpose? – Read Hebrews 12:7-11 and Romans 2:4 Why do parents discipline children? What kind of parent does not discipline? Why does God discipline His children? What does God’s discipline say about His concern for us? – Read 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 and 2 Peter 3:9 To whom will Jesus deal out retribution? What is the penalty they will receive? Does God want this to happen to anyone? What can you do to avoid the penalty?

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN Accomplishing my purpose – Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 What is the gospel? What will the gospel help you be? What three actions should you take toward the gospel? – Read 2 Peter 1:2-8 What has God provided for us? To grow, what must you be serious about? What are the results of growing in the Lord? – Read 1 Corinthians 15:10; 10:12-13 What does God provide to make it possible for you to accomplish your purpose?

STOP…LOOK…LISTEN Accomplishing my purpose – Read 1 Corinthians 15:10; 10:12-13 What does God provide to make it possible for you to accomplish your purpose? How will God help, especially when you are tempted to do wrong? What is your part in resisting temptation? Next time: Lesson 3 (Jesus is born)