EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Thrive: Living on Purpose – Session 6

3 weeks ago 42

Date: October 6, 2024

Purpose Exemplified

The Point: God is glorified when we live with Christ-centered purpose.

Get Into the Study

Read this before asking the opening question: When have you felt like you were just made for a particular job, role, or relationship?

If you’ve ever replaced a long-term employee at a company, you know that they can be big shoes to fill. Imagine trying to replace Pat Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune!” After nearly 8,000 episodes spanning a 41-year stint as its host, Sajak retired and handed the reigns over to Ryan Seacrest. While Seacrest is a familiar personality from radio and television, this change was massive.

As he begins his run hosting the popular gameshow, he joins veteran Vanna White, who is still active in turning the letters. The set gets a modern update, but the feel of the show tries to remain the same. The host change was a big enough transition for people to deal with.

At the beginning of his first hosting, Seacrest stated, “Hosting ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a dream job. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid watching it in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years. I’m just so grateful to be invited in. I also know I’ve got some very big shoes to fill, so let’s play ‘Wheel of Fortune.’”

Time will tell if long-term fans can embrace the newcomer host. So far, he seems to be settling into honoring the show’s legacy with his own take on creativity. Since he loves the show so much, he plans on taking this dream role seriously.

For more information, visit https://www.pennlive.com/tv/2024/09/ryan-seacrest-takes-over-as-wheel-of-fortune-host-a-dream-job.html.

Get Into the Study [Option from the Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide]

Play the song ““The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli” as directed in the “Optional Idea” on page 32.

Study the Bible

Read this story before asking Question #5: Why is glorifying God the believer’s highest priority?

For many, it’s the best time of the year. Fall seems to be the perfect season for family gatherings, refreshing weather, and nonstop football. Spread throughout the week are plenty of opportunities to watch pro, college, high school, or even pee wee football.

While sports are an excellent source of enjoyment, it isn’t always the best environment for giving glory to God. Sports have a way of creating platforms for individuals who must bring attention to themselves to succeed. Pointing to someone other than yourself is almost seen as a weakness in professional athletics. That’s why you need to take notice when you see someone give glory to God.

Aidan O’Connell is in his second year playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. When recently asked about his motivation as a football player, O’Connell replied, “I’m a Christian, so definitely to glorify God. I think He has put me in this position for a reason even though I didn’t think I’d get to this position. I’m obviously here for a reason to give glory to His name in success and failure. I think that’s definitely my number one.”

When competing for a starting position and top-salary numbers, it would be easy to provide another motivation when questioned. There are probably several answers that would have served his career better, but that’s the answer he chose to provide with the platform he had been given. Glorifying God is more than a trite expectation; O’Connell wants it to be a reality.

For more information, visit: https://www.raidersbeat.com/adain-oconnell-named-the-quarterback-he-models-his-game-after-says-his-source-of-motivation-is-to-glorify-god/#google_vignette.

Travis Agnew is a disciple of Jesus, husband to Amanda, dad to the Agnew 3, and Lead Pastor or Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. He loves writing about faith and family at travisagnew.org.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When have you felt like you were made for a particular job, role, or relationship?
What do you consider your claim to fame?
When have you felt the most purpose in your work?
What do you consider a real work of art?
What’s something you were surprised to find out you were pretty good at?
What’s the closest you’ve come to creating a masterpiece?

Philippians 1:1-5

What can we do to foster an atmosphere of gratitude for God’s work in our lives?
How does remembering God’s past action make a difference in our lives today??
What are some practical things we could do to build ongoing remembrance of God’s actions into friendships and family relationships?
Why is it so important to express gratitude to God for His blessings?
Who are some mentors who have been helpful in your spiritual journey?
What steps can you take to build thanksgiving more deeply into your prayer life?

Philippians 1:6-8

When have you observed God’s ongoing work in your life?
How has your life been changed and blessed because of meaningful relationships?
How has your life changed in recent years because of Christ?
How does it help you to know that God will complete what he has begun in your life and in those you love?

Philippians 1:9-11