From the very beginning of time God had a purpose. When He created the world, it was to show His glory. When He created man, He wanted us to see His glory. When He chose Abraham, Moses and David to be a part of His plan, it was to use them to make His glory known among the nations. His ultimate act of coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying on the cross and coming back to live was to display His glory to the world. This world isn’t about us, no matter how much we wish it was. It’s about God and His purpose is His glory.
PURPOSE: Intentionally Living For God
MEMORY VERSE: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: God's Purpose is His Glory
Starting in Genesis 1 we see God who is loving, imaginative, and good and He showed all of these traits when creating the world. God shows His glory through creation. Have you ever marveled at the power in a thunderstorm or the details in a flower? Everything in creation points back to Him. God created man and woman and put us on this perfect earth but instead of living perfect lives in relationship with God, we chose to sin. With that sin comes separation from God and death. However, God’s purpose is never thwarted and His plan to show His glory was just beginning. At just the right time, He Himself would step into His creation and reveal His glory in the most unbelievable way imaginable. Check out this video we showed in your kids' classes this Sunday that explains even more.
Family Questions:
- Read Genesis 1 with your kids. How did God show us who He is through His creation?
- Is it always easy to see God’s purpose in everything He does? Why not?
- Look at 2 Timothy 1:9-10. What was God’s purpose from the beginning of time? How did He show it through Jesus?
- Can we ever do something to mess up God’s purpose? Why do you think that?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: The Definition of Purpose
At dinner this week spend some time defining purpose in depth. What does purpose mean? How does knowing our purpose affect our lives? Help your kids come to a clear understanding of the meaning of purpose. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31 together that says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." Pray together that God would allow your family to live with a purpose to do all things to the glory of God.
Friend: God's Purpose
Take time to talk with your kids about how everything around us points back to God. Look at the way the trees grow, the way the birds fly, and even the way our bodies work. Talk about how amazing it is that God made all of those things. Reflect on how it causes us to praise God for His amazing work! Explain to them that the reason God made all of these things was for His glory.
Counselor: What is Glory?
After talking about how God created everything for His glory, help your kids understand what glory is. Explain how this ties into God’s purpose. Help them understand how God’s purpose in everything He does is for His glory.
Coach: God's Glory in Your Kids
Write a note to your kids at least once this week about how you have praised God for the gift they are in your life. Let them know how they encourage you daily to glorify God.
Prayer
Thank God that the world is not all about you, but all about Him. Thank Him for always having a purpose for everything He does. Ask Him to help you trust His plan and purpose for your life so you can glorify Him in all you do.
Looking Ahead
Next week we are continuing the month of December with the godly character trait of PURPOSE. We will be learning about when we trust in God and His Word it gives us purpose.
Image via Flickr Creative Commons