Living On Purpose Series

Introduction

Last week we asked the question:

Are we drifting or are we driven?

We saw from Ecclesiastes that drifting through life without God leaves us empty.

But Jesus came to give life to the full.

Today we’re going to take the next step and ask: What does it mean to live on purpose?

Because here’s the thing — God didn’t just make us and then leave us to figure it out.

He made us with intention.

With a plan. With purpose.

And when we discover that, it changes everything.

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1. You Are God’s Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)

Let’s start with Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Some translations say “workmanship” or even “masterpiece.”

The Greek word is poi-ema (poyeema)

— it’s where we get our word poem.

That means you are God’s work of art.

- You are not an accident.

• You were designed with care.

• You were created with beauty.

• You were made with purpose.

And what is that purpose?

Paul says it’s to “do good works, which God prepared (say prepared) in advance for us.”

In other words, your (and my) life has been shaped for impact.

There are

• things only you can do,

• people only you can reach,

• ways God can work through your unique mix of personality, gifts, and story.

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2. God’s Plans Are Good (Jeremiah 29:11)

Now, let’s turn to Jeremiah 29:11.

Many of us know it well:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Now, in context, God was speaking to His people in exile.

They were in a place they didn’t want to be.

They were struggling.

And God says to them:

o “Even here, I have a plan.

o Even now, I’m working for your good.

o Even in this season,

there is hope and a future.”

That’s important because sometimes we think purpose means a perfect, easy life.

But no — God’s purpose can be worked out

• even in difficulty,

• even in waiting,

• even …. in exile.

Living on purpose means trusting that God is still writing the story, even when the chapter you’re in is tough.

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3. Living on Purpose in Everyday Life

So what does it actually look like to live on purpose?

Let me suggest three things:

a. See your life as mission.

Wherever you are — at work, at home, at school, in the community —

You’re not just “there.”

You’re placed.

(Say, I’m placed)

You’re sent.

Purpose means seeing ordinary spaces as places where God can use you.

It means…..

b. Use your gifts.

You don’t have to be like anyone else.

You are unique!

God gave you unique gifts, abilities, and passions.

Living on purpose means asking: “How can I use what God’s given me to bless others?”

Living on purpose means:

c. Staying connected to God.

Purpose isn’t a one-time discovery — it’s a daily walk.

As we pray, listen, and stay in God’s Word, He guides us step by step.

Think of it like a satnav.

God doesn’t always give us the whole map at once, but He gives us the next turn.

Living on purpose means trusting Him with each step.

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4. A Practical Challenge

So here’s the challenge for this week:

Ask God: “What one step can I can take to live on purpose right now?”

• Maybe it’s reaching out to encourage someone.

• Maybe it’s serving in a ministry.

• Maybe it’s choosing to honour God in your group of friends.

Purpose isn’t always about the big dramatic changes.

More often, it’s about small, consistent choices that align us with God’s plan.

Object Illustration 1: A Toolbox

Hold up one tool at a time:

“This hammer has a purpose — it’s made to drive nails.

This screwdriver has a purpose — it’s made to turn screws.

Each tool is designed for something specific.

But if I tried to use the screwdriver as a hammer, or the tape measure as a spanner, it wouldn’t work very well.

In the same way, God has created each of us with a unique purpose.

We’re not here by accident, and life works best when we live the way He designed us to — fulfilling the good works He’s prepared in advance for us to do.

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Conclusion

Let’s bring this together:

• You are God’s masterpiece.

• He has prepared good works for you.

• His plans are to give you hope and a future.

• And living on purpose means stepping into that reality every single day.