“Man’s chief end (his purpose) is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” This is the first and most well-known belief statement in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Our purpose hasn’t changed since 1647 when these words were first written. In fact, our purpose has always been to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7). One of the ways we can do that is by sharing the good news of the Gospel with others. Ask God for opportunities to intentionally live for Him by sharing the hope we have in Christ with someone this week!
PURPOSE: Intentionally living for God.
MEMORY VERSE: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
This Week’s Finish Line: Because We Have Purpose, We Must Tell The World The Good News
When Jesus was a baby, Joseph and Mary took Him to the Temple to offer a sacrifice and dedicate Him to the Lord, just like all first born Jewish sons. While they were there they met a man named Simeon. God had made an amazing promise to Simeon. He would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Simeon saw Jesus, he knew God’s promise had come true! Also at the Temple was a woman named Anna. She, too, was so excited when she met Jesus. Both Anna and Simeon worshipped God and told the people at the Temple that the Messiah had finally come. Guess what. God has promised us something amazing, too. Someday, Jesus, our Savior, will come back to earth to fulfill prophecy, defeat His enemies, and rule forever. Until then, God has a purpose for us: tell the world the Good News!
Family Questions:
- Read Luke 2:25-35. Does it sound like Simeon trusted God’s purpose for him? Why? How excited to you think Simeon was when he realized God’s promise had come true? What did he do? If God promised you something like He did to Simeon, would you always be looking for what He promised?
- Read Luke 2:36-38. How do you think Anna knew what God had said about the coming Messiah? What did Anna do when she realized who Jesus was? What if you were Anna and got to meet Jesus personally? Who would you tell?
- If you have admitted you’re a sinner, believed that Jesus paid the price for your sin, and confessed that He is Lord of your life, you DO have a relationship with Jesus! Isn’t that something worth telling others about!?
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Meal Time
At one of your upcoming mealtimes this week, spend time reviewing the big ideas we’ve learned about Purpose this month. Ask your kids, “What is God’s purpose?” (God’s purpose is His glory) “How did Mary and Joseph show they trusted God, His word, and His purpose for them?” (They believed the messages the angels gave them and that God’s purpose for them was to be the earthly parents of Jesus, the Messiah!) “What is our purpose?” (To intentionally live for God) Spend time brainstorming how you can live your life with purpose so that others will learn about the Good News of Jesus this next year.
Friend: Drive Time
If you haven’t yet this season, drive around looking at Christmas lights before everyone starts taking them down. Can you imagine if all the electricity in your city went out and it was completely dark for months and then, one day, everything just lit up? That’s kind of what the world was like before Jesus. Talk about how Jesus is the light of the world and how you can share that truth with friends who may not know Him. It’s our purpose!
Counselor: Bedtime
In the morning before your kids go to school or you go to work spend a few minutes praying a Bible verse about purpose over each other (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 10:31, and Colossians 3:23 are great verses to start with). Then at bedtime, follow up with them and ask if they saw a difference in their days or even their perspective throughout the day after praying through and meditating on/thinking about God’s Word.
Coach: Anytime
All 2nd – 5th graders went home with a one-pager that taught them how to share the Good News of Jesus using colorful candy. Didn’t get one? No worries. We made it available online by clicking here. Take turns practicing how to share the Gospel together and pray for opportunities to share this Good News with others!
Prayer
Thank God for having a purpose larger than us. Thank Him for specific promises you’re holding on to now. Ask Him to help you remember that, no matter what, He always keeps His promises.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will begin a new character trait, self-control!