Message: “A Life That Matters: Living for God’s Purpose” from Joe Summers

Joe Summers - July 19, 2026

A Life That Matters: Living for God’s Purpose

A Life That Matters: Living for God’s Purpose Main Scripture 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.” Supporting Scriptures • Jeremiah 1:5 • Genesis 12:1–3 • Matthew 5:14–16 • Isaiah 6:8 • Philippians 1:6 ________________________________________ Introduction: The Search for Meaning One of the deepest questions people ask is: “Does my life really matter?” People spend much of their lives searching for significance. Some believe life matters because of: • success, • wealth, • education, • position, • recognition, • achievements. The world often tells us: “Your value is determined by what you accomplish.” But God gives us a different message: “Your value comes from the One who created you.” A person may never become famous, but their life can still have eternal importance. A mother who faithfully raises her children. A person who encourages someone during a difficult time. A believer who quietly serves others. These lives may not make headlines, but they matter greatly in God’s kingdom. The question is not: “Will the world remember me?” The deeper question is: “Am I fulfilling the purpose God created me for?” ________________________________________ Point 1: God Created You — Your Life Has Value Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork…” The word “handiwork” means something carefully created. God did not create human beings randomly. He created us intentionally. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Before Jeremiah began his ministry, God already knew him and had a purpose for him. This truth applies to every believer: • Your life has meaning. • Your experiences have meaning. • Your gifts have meaning. • Your story has meaning. The problem: Many people define themselves by what others say. They think: • “I am only important if I succeed.” • “I am only valuable if people recognize me.” • “I am only useful when I am young and strong.” But God does not measure people the way the world does. God saw value in: • Moses, even though he felt inadequate. • David, even though he was overlooked. • Peter, even though he failed. • Paul, even though his past was difficult. God sees not only who we are today but who we can become through Him. Application: Ask yourself: “Do I see myself as God sees me?” You are not an accident. You are created by God for a purpose. ________________________________________ Point 2: God Calls You — Your Life Has Purpose Ephesians 2:10 “Created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” Notice the order: First: God creates us. Then: God calls us. Then: God uses us. God does not save us only from something. He saves us for something. Abraham: A Life With Purpose Genesis 12:2 “I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” God blessed Abraham so that Abraham could become a blessing to others. The purpose of God’s blessing is not simply our comfort. It is our mission. The boy with five loaves and two fish John 6 A young boy brought what he had: • five loaves, • two fish. It seemed insignificant. But when placed in Jesus’ hands, it became something powerful. The lesson: God does not ask: “How much do you have?” God asks: “Are you willing to give what you have?” Application: Many people say: “I cannot serve God because I am not talented enough.” “I cannot make a difference because someone else is better.” But God has always used ordinary people. Your: • kindness, • experience, • wisdom, • time, • encouragement, can be used by God. A small act of obedience can have a great impact. ________________________________________ Point 3: God Sends You — Your Life Has Influence Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” God’s purpose is not only inside the church building. God sends us into the world. Our mission field is wherever God places us: • our family, • our workplace, • our neighborhood, • our friendships. We influence others through our daily lives. Sometimes people will never read the Bible. But they will read: • our attitude, • our kindness, • our patience, • our forgiveness, • our love. Isaiah’s Response Isaiah 6:8 “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah did not know everything about the future. But he knew one thing: God was calling him. A meaningful life begins when we say: “Lord, I am available.” ________________________________________ Practical Ways to Live a Life That Matters 1. Put God First Matthew 6:33 “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” A meaningful life begins with the right priority. ________________________________________ 2. Use Your Gifts to Serve Others 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” God gave each person something valuable. ________________________________________ 3. Be Faithful in Small Things Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Great things often begin with small acts of faithfulness. ________________________________________ Conclusion: The Question God Asks At the end of life, the most important question will not be: “How much money did I earn?” “How many people knew my name?” “How successful was I according to the world?” The question will be: “Did I fulfill the purpose God gave me?” A life that matters is a life that: • knows God created me, • understands God called me, • accepts that God sends me. God does not require a perfect person. He requires a willing heart. Like Isaiah, may we say: “Here am I. Send me.” ________________________________________ Closing Prayer Lord, thank You that our lives have meaning because You created us. Help us not to measure ourselves by the standards of the world, but by Your purpose. Show us how to use our gifts, our time, and our opportunities to serve You and others. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen. ________________________________________ Discussion / Reflection Questions 1. What are some ways people try to find significance apart from God? 2. How does knowing God created you change the way you see yourself? 3. What gifts or abilities has God given you? 4. What small things can you do that can make a difference for others? 5. Where is God calling you to be a light this week? ________________________________________ Joe, when comparing this with “Faith That Works: Living Out What We Believe,” I would say the difference is: • Faith That Works → more practical discipleship (how we live) • A Life That Matters → more inspirational and purpose-focused (why we live) Both are good, but they speak to slightly different needs. I think this one may connect especially well after last week’s message because it answers: “If God has expectations for my life, why does my life matter?”