warm-up

Would you describe yourself as adventurous or cautious? Why? Share one instance explaining this.

Share your most memorable vacation. What made it special?

How do you respond when events or circumstances around you don’t go as planned? Why?

word

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28

God’s purpose for the earth from the very beginning was to fill it with His glory. However, we sometimes have our own plan, idea, and goal. Instead of glorifying God with all we have, many times, we have a tendency to settle down and be comfortable with what we currently have. How can we fulfill God’s purpose, stop settling for less than that, and decide to obey Him, even if means we should go out of our comfort zones? Here we will look at two contrasts that will help us better pursue God’s plans and purposes not only for our lives, but for the nations of the world.

1
My Plan versus God’s Plan

“Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens . . .’” Genesis 11:4

Ignoring God’s plan to fill the earth with His glory, mankind attempted to build a city where they could settle. Their shared language (Genesis 11:1) leveraged them to greater unity with each other. However, God’s plan ultimately prevailed—He dispersed them from there all over the face of all the earth (Genesis 11:8). Humanity was forced to leave the city they were building, and take possession of the whole earth, which He had given to them (Genesis 9:1). God’s design for us is to trust and depend on Him, not live lives independently of Him. Recall a time when you made a decision to trust God with His plans for your life. What happened? What did you learn from this experience?

2
My Name versus God’s Name

“. . . and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4

Man’s goal for building the city was to make a name for themselves, glorifying themselves and their achievements. They refused to obey God’s command to fill the earth He had given them and subdue it (Genesis 1:28; 9:1). However, we must remember that Jesus is exalted by God and bears the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9). Instead of only working toward increasing the glory of our own names, our goal must be to make His name known—setting aside our plans and our reputation, for His glorious purpose and the proclaiming of His name. Why must we preach the gospel to every nation? (Philippians 2:10,11)

application

Proverbs 19:21 says, Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Do you trust God with His plans for your life? Will you decide today to surrender your life and your plans to Christ’s Lordship?

In what way is God calling you out of your comfort zone? How can you take that first step of not settling, but following Him fully? Share one way you can do so, beginning today.

What hinders you from preaching the gospel to those around you? How can you overcome it? What will you do to obey God’s command in faith, starting this week?

prayer

Declare God’s sovereignty over your life, and dedicate your plans and your future to Him. Thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness to you.

Ask God for boldness and grace to preach the gospel to your family, friends, classmates, and colleagues. Believe God for their salvation.

Pray that God will be glorified in your life, and His name will be magnified as you willingly go out of your comfort zone and preach the gospel.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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