Plot Twist
Sermon: Finding Your Purpose
Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 5:13
Sermon Summary
The Big Idea of this study is to understand our purpose in life.
This weekend we’re looking at a story about a fig tree that wasn’t producing fruit. One of the characters in the story wanted to cut it down because it wasn’t fulfilling its purpose and was only taking up space. The purpose of a fig tree is to produce fruit. Although Jesus is very forgiving and gives people many chances, the bottom line of the story is this: if you’re a fig tree, produce figs.
Just like the fig tree had a purpose, we too need to find our purpose as followers of Jesus. But what does a disciple of Jesus do? When Jesus was answering this question, he described his followers and gave them a nickname: “Salt”. With this name, they should remember a characteristic that they should aim for. So, what does it look like for Christians to be the salt of the world?
Questions for Discussion:
When Jesus called his followers ‘salt’, he was giving them a nickname and a characteristic he wanted them to be known for. Share some of your favorite nicknames that you had as a child. Why did you get them?
What other characteristics do we find in salt that Jesus would want his followers to be like?
If you could give yourself a nickname, what would it be? What do you want to be known for?
Share a story on how people may have been the ‘salt’ in someone’s life around you.
What are some situations you’re facing that Jesus is trying to get you to be ‘salty’ in?