Life; Purpose/Meaning

Students do not realize why they were created. They struggle with self worth, self-identity, and connecting to their surroundings. Students have the greatest social platforms ever known to mankind, yet they struggle to answer the question, “WHY AM I HERE?” As a result of this study, students will have a better understanding of what worshipping God and being in true relationship with Him means. This will guide them to a better understanding of their identity in Christ and why they were created.

 

Pass out BIC ink pens to the students. Ask the students some pointed questions about the pen.

• Describe in great detail what you are holding.

• What is one thing, other than writing, you could use this ink pen for?

• How many different uses can you imagine for the pen you are holding?

A BIC pen has a distinct purpose—yet it can be used to beat on objects like drum sticks, it can be used to make temporary tattoos, it can be a letter opener, a spit ball cannon, or it can be used for its created purpose: to communicate through writing.

 

Just like this BIC pen, you and I are created for a specific purpose. When we get distracted from that purpose we soon find ourselves frantically trying to remember what it is: to LOVE God with our heart, soul, mind, and body!

 

The song “So I Can Love” by Shane & Shane reminds us of our identity in Christ. As the song opens, the challenge is simple: if we have breath in our lungs, there’s got be a reason why –so I can Love the Lord my God with all my heart and with open arms love others. It states, “I wanna live with no regrets when all is said and done.” Our response would be, “Because He rescued me, He laid down His life; because He first loved me, it’s the reason why I love—He’s the reason why I love.” While the song is being played, ask the students to use their BIC pens to write their thoughts of the song and what they think the message is challenging them to do.

 

Pray that God will guide your time together, that He will challenge each person to go deeper into his or her purpose and to reflect upon, “where do we go from here?”

 

Hand out the Student Guides. Use this outline to teach the “Why Did God Create Me?” (Ephesians 2:10), and encourage the students to take notes. Encourage group discussion when answering the questions.

So I Can Love (Matthew 22:38)

• What are some ways God recognizes your love for Him?

• How is the greatest commandment still relevant in our culture today?

• Is church attendance enough, or should we do more? 

So I Can Help Others (Hebrews 13:16)

• What are some ways you can help your peers?

• What talents do you have and what do you plan to do with those talents?

• Are your talents going to be used for Christ, or for the world? 

So I Can Share His Message (Acts 20:24; Matthew 24:14)

• What are a few ways you can share the message of Christ?

• Do you ever feel ashamed to share your faith story? Why?

• How will your life be different after hearing this song?

 

Just as the song says, “I wasn’t made just to take up space –I want to give my life away –I’m going to leave a mark –Be a light in the dark.”

• How will you give your life away?

• What kind of mark do you leave on people’s lives?

• Will you shine brightly in this dark world?