Seattle & North District
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CAMPAIGN COMPONENT OVERVIEW
Daily Devotion
This is the heart of this campaign, designed to reinvigorate our devotion life and our intimacy with God. We will be reading a single short chapter together each day from The Purpose Driven Life Book (Rick Warren). Please take at least 30 minutes out of your day. Read the chapter, meditate on the message, self-inspect and pray. Feel free to look up the verses in each chapter to deepen your understanding of the messages. On a weekly basis, the daily devotions will bring us to a different aspect of God’s purpose for each of our lives. These daily lessons will be harmonized with the weekend messages and the Sunday School Curriculum so that each of God’s purpose will be reinforced in several ways.
Messages
On a weekly basis, you will hear a sermon from our pastors (or at times through a video) that will reinforce your devotion and the emphasized purpose for the week. The messages will add new insights to your understanding and challenge you to examine your present lifestyle paradigm.
Sunday School Program
Written especially for this campaign, the group curriculum is designed to take the weekend message deeper by studying specific scripture passages. We will learn from a video curriculum, taught by Rick Warren and from one another.
Scripture Memory Verse
Along with the daily devotional reading, this campaign emphasizes Scripture memory – a habit many Christians have never tried. We pray that this will become a habit that we can acquire together.
Small Group/Ministry and Evangelism/Missions Fair
If you have not been utilizing your SHAPE for service-either in our church or serving in a variety of community ministries, this is your chance. Each of us is called to serve. Use this chance to become more active in ECC ministries, short-term missions, urban ministries, and a whole variety of opportunities of serve. You will be amazed at how much you will grow through service and committing yourself to the Great Commission.
Resources
Book:
For anyone who wants a physical copy of the book, one will be provided to you without cost. A limited copy of the book is immediately available. Additional books will be available based on demand.
Prayer/Fasting:
On 3/4-3/5, the campaign is scheduled for 24-hour fasting and prayer. Please refer to an article by Dr. Bill Bright for additional insight into the spiritual practice of “fasting and prayer”.
Fasting and Prayer DownloadCalendar
A. The Consequences of Not Knowing Your Purpose
- Without knowing your purpose, life will seem ___________________.
“The sun still rises and it still goes down…the wind blows…round and round and back again. Every river flows into the sea…[then] the water returns to where the rivers began and starts all over again. Everything leads to weariness…” Ecclesiastes 1:5-8 (TEV)
- Without knowing your purpose, life will seem __________________.
“No matter how much we see, we’re never satisfied; no matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. Nothing is truly new…” Ecclesiastes 1:8b-9a (LB)
- Without knowing your purpose, life will seem ___________________.
“You can’t straighten out what is crooked; you can’t count things that aren’t there.” Ecclesiastes 1:15 (TEV)
B. The Benefits of Knowing Your Purpose
“…I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Philippians 3:12b-14 (NLT)
- Knowing the purpose of your life will give your life ______________.
“…I am focusing all my energies on this one thing….” (v. 13) - Knowing the purpose of your life will _______________ your life.
“…Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (v. 13)
“You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm.” Isaiah 26:3 (TEV)
- Knowing the purpose of your life will increase _______________ in your life.
“…I strain to reach the end of the race….” (v. 14)“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans or good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11 (LB)
Knowing the purpose of your life will ______________________.
“…and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” (v. 14)
“He has…set eternity in the hearts of men.…” Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)
- Paul had a clear understanding of God’s purpose for his life. He said, “I am focusing all my energies on this one thing.” How would knowing God’s purposes help you focus your life? How would knowing your life purpose simplify your life?
- God uses other people in specific ways in each of our lives. In whose life does God want to use you? Now is a great time to consider who you might invite to next week’s study. What co-worker, neighbor, friend, family member, or other Christian do you know who would enjoy this study? Take a moment and ask God to give you a name or two.
Devotional Readings Days 2-7 (Monday-Saturday)
Scripture Memory Verse- Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
A. How Do We Live a Life of Worship, a Life Pleasing to God?
“Therefore I urge you brothers in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
- You must ________________________________ yourself to God. (v. 1)
– Worship is ______________________________
– Worship is ______________________________
“Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it.” 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 (LB)
– Worship is ________________________
- You must learn the principle of ___________________________. (v. 2)
- You must learn the principle of ___________________________. (v. 2b)
“I always keep the Lord in front of me. When he is by my side, I cannot be moved. That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body rests securely.” Psalm 16:8,9 (GW)
B. Three Reasons Why We Should Live For God’s Pleasure
- Living a life of worship is _______________________________________.
- Living a life of worship is ___________________________.
- Living a life of worship is ___________________________.
- The Bible says God created you so He could love you, enjoy you, and adopt you into His family. Look up the following verses: Is 43:1-7; Is 44:2; James 1:17-18. Stop and ponder that statement for a moment. How does that make you feel and is it consistent with your view of God?
- In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said the two greatest commands are to love God and love our neighbor.
- What is your understanding of worship after this morning’s sermon and teaching? Jn4:23-24; Rm 12:1;Ps 16:8-9; Eph 5:2.
- How does living a life of worship (loving God) help you love the people around you? Matt 5:43-44; Rm 13:9-10; James 2:1-13.
Devotional Readings Days 9-14 (Monday-Saturday)
Scripture Memory Verse- Mark 12:30 (NIV)
“…I am writing these things to you…[so] you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God….” 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NCV)
Five Building Blocks for Fellowship
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:9-16 (NIV)
- The first building block for fellowship is _____________________. (v. 9)
“…the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.” Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
- The second building block for fellowship is _________________. (v. 10)
“Believers shouldn’t curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone.” Titus 3:2 (GW)
- The third building block for fellowship is ___________________. (v. 12)
“If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)
– Mutual encouragement
– Mutual honoring
– Mutual accountability - The fourth building block for fellowship is __________________. (v. 13)
“They worshipped together regularly at the temple each day, (daily) met in small groups in homes for communion, and shared their meals with great joy….” Acts 2:46 (TLB) - The fifth building block for fellowship is ___________________. (v. 16)
“Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church…be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6b (NIV)
We desire a place where we are able to share our true feelings (authenticity); differences are respected (courtesy); we are encouraged to grow spiritually (mutuality); we spend time with people, getting to know them (hospitality); and we are supported in our purpose and are accepted, despite our weaknesses (unity).
- Read 1 Timothy 3:14,15. In the Bible, the church is described as a family. What characteristics of healthy families would be true of healthy churches or classes?
- The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:10, “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.” Can you share a time in your life when other believers came to your assistance, brought you comfort, or met a need?
- In this session you learned about five building blocks for true fellowship. Which of these is a strength of your class or your church? Which one do you personally find most challenging?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, and Hebrews 10:25. From these verses, what are some of the practical benefits of encouragement? Who has served as a source of encouragement in your life?
Devotional Readings Days 16-21 (Monday-Saturday)
Scripture Memory Verse- Romans 12:5 (NIV)
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
- “Work Out”
- “Work In”
A. Three Tools God Uses to Make You Like Jesus
- The first tool God uses to make you like Jesus is the _______________.
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point….” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (TLB)
- The second tool God uses to make you like Jesus is _______________ ____________.
“…as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (LB) - The third tool God uses to make you like Jesus is __________________.
“…we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God chose them to become like his Son….” Romans 8:28,29 (NLT)
B. Three Choices That Will Help You Become More Like Jesus
- You can choose ______________________________________________.
“…there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)
“How can a young man keep his ways pure? By living according to Your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV) - You can choose to ______________ on God’s Spirit moment by moment.
“Take care to live in Me and let Me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me…. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit.” John 15:4,5 (LB)
You can choose to _________________________ your circumstances the way Jesus would.
“When all kinds of trials crowd into your lives don’t resent them as intruders but welcome them as friends. Realize that they come to test your faith and produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed and you become people of mature character, people of integrity, with no weak spots.” James 1:2-4 (Ph)
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Paul says the Bible is “useful.” In what ways have you found the Bible “useful” in your life? What keeps the Bible from being more useful in your life?
- Read Romans 8:28 and James 1:2-4. How has God used circumstances and trials in your life to bring growth and Christ-likeness?
- How can your circumstances be opportunities for you to serve God and others? What circumstance have you experienced that God could use as an opportunity for you to serve others?
- How are the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and circumstances all important in reaching people for Christ? Several of you share how God is using these things to reach out to your friends and family.
Devotional Readings Days 23-28 (Monday-Saturday)
Scripture Memory Verse- Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” Luke 10:30-37 (NIV)
A. Three Attitudes Towards People In Need
- __________________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________________
- Treat others how I want ________________________________
B. Four Steps to Serving the Needs of People the Way Jesus Would
- _________________________________ the needs of people around me.
“Don’t think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 (NLT)
- ______________________________________ with people’s pain.
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) - ____________________________ the moment and meet the need.
“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor, ‘Maybe some other time’ or, ‘Try me tomorrow,’ when the money’s right there in your pocket.” Proverbs 3:27,28 (Msg) - _________________________ whatever it takes.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
- Why, in your opinion, do many people walk right by opportunities to serve others?
- To be a servant you must move against your fears. What personal fears keep you from serving others or meeting the needs of your church family?
- You were challenged in this lesson to get very practical. Take a minute and write down some of your gifts and talents. Briefly share them with the class and have the class respond with possible areas of ministry where your gifts would be effective.
Take a few minutes to discuss practical tasks, projects, and ministries you and your small group could serve together to meet a need in our church. Commit to asking your pastor or someone else in leadership about any unmet needs your class could meet.
Devotional Readings Days 30-35 (Monday-Saturday)
Scripture Memory Verse- 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” John 17:18 (Msg)
“One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and religion teachers were sitting around. They had come from nearly every village in Galilee and Judea, even as far away as Jerusalem, to be there. The healing power of God was on him. Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, ‘Friend, I forgive your sins.’ That set the religion scholars and Pharisees buzzing. ‘Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemous talk. God and only God can forgive sins.’ Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and said, ‘Why all this gossipy whispering? Which is simpler: to say ‘I forgive your sins,’ or to say ‘Get up and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both….’ He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: ‘Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.’ Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way. The people rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then also gave glory to God. Awestruck, they said, ‘We’ve never seen anything like that!'” Luke 5:17-26 (Msg)
Four Keys to Fulfilling God’s Mission in the World.
- They became _____________________________ for their hurting friend.
“We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith.” Romans 15:2 (GW)
- They believed Jesus _____________________________ their friend.
Jesus is “able, now and always, to save those who come to God through Him….” Hebrews 7:25 (TEV)
- They didn’t just pray for their friend; they ______________ him to Jesus.
“Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” Luke 14:23 (NLT)
- They didn’t let difficulties _________________________________ them.
“…God is patient, because He wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” 2 Peter 3:9 (CEV)
- Bringing pleasure to God through worship
- Experiencing life together through fellowship
- Growing spiritually to be more like Christ through discipleship
- Serving the needs of others through ministry
- Sharing the Good News through evangelism
- God wants us to not only live purpose driven lives;
- He wants us to grow purpose driven churches.
- When you hear the word “evangelism” or think about sharing your faith, what images come to mind?
- The physical needs of this man were obvious, but his spiritual needs were less obvious. What are some of the needs of people in your life that demonstrate a deep spiritual hunger?
- From Colossians 4:2-5 what principles can you learn about sharing Christ with unbelievers?
Turn to a person next to you and share 1-2 names of non-believing co-workers, friends, neighbors, or family members you would like your entire class to pray for. Then pray for the courage to initiate a conversation about God with them this week. Maybe in your fellowship or small group, you can plan a fun, non-threatening event to which you can bring them.
Devotional Readings Days 37-40 (Monday-Friday)
Scripture Memory Verse- Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
3/3/2023 Meditation/Catch-Up (chapter 41)
3/4/2023 Fasting and Prayer (chapter 42)
Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life. We were made to have meaning. When life has meaning, you can bear almost anything; without it, nothing is bearable.