1.

TOPIC: BORN FOR A PURPOSE

Aim: To understand the reason for purpose, and help readers recognize and fill their own place.

Text: Jer. 1:1-5; Romans 8:28

Memory verse: Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

INTRODUCTION

Before everything that our God does is purpose. Every word comes with purpose. Every thought is
toward an end. And every deed has its own reason in the plan of The Unseen One.

In our text, the Lord tells of how Jeremiah was before-known and chosen by Him. There was a
purpose for Jeremiah, and that purpose had been predetermined for him by His creator just as a
manufacturer must determine the reason for his product. As a matter of fact, purpose precedes
creation. Before anything is made, the purpose is known. This was true for Jeremiah, and it is for every
creation of God including us. So Jeremiah was formed by God. He was known before he was formed.
In other words, God knew what he wanted in him before he made him. He knew that he wanted a
mouth that would declare His words to the people with boldness. He wanted it in a child to show that
only He could have done it, and also to prove to us that none is too young or too weak to be used by
His majesty.

In our case, we find it written, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".

God has a purpose for us. And that purpose as stated in the same chapter is, "to be conformed to the
image of His Son ”(Rom.8:29). His promise is that for we that have accepted His invitation, we may
expect all things to go well for us as we obey His commandment of Love.

We all have our own place to fill in the grand purpose of God. We were specially made for it. We
wouldn't begin to cook our meal in a freezer, or shave our hair with matchetes. The most important
service we can render to our Father in this world would be to so love the church and the world that we
begin to spend more time in fellowship with the Holy Spirit until we have found our own place, and
thereafter fill it. And for this, He is working in us giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases
Him.

QUESTIONS

1. Briefly expatiate the clause 'Purpose precedes creation' and how it relates to us being part of God’s
creation. Jer.1:5; Gen. 1:26-28.

2. Where and how do we FIND our purpose? Matthew 7:7-8; 1 cor.2:10b-11.

3. What is the reason for purpose?

CONCLUSION: Let it be a thing of joy in our hearts that the Father knows us. Let us find solace in the
truth that He will never demand from us more than His power in us can bring to pass. At every
moment, let us be found willing and ready to go and to do whatever may be demanded of us for the
glory of His name. Never be content with your existence here on earth until you find your purpose- the
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very reason why God made you-and live it. Life without living for our purpose as predetermined by God
is a waste. So live wisely!

2. Topic: FINDING PURPOSE

Text: Jeremiah 10:23

Aim of study: To help believers understand that their calling is not something to become creative
about but to go back in time into God's heart to find the very purpose in God's heart who created us.
Memory verse: Prov. 16:25-There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death.
INTRODUCTION
Man, was made by God to be an intelligent being. A being of excellence and dominion (Gen 1:26,27;
2:19), but in all of mans’ glory given to him by God, man was not made to be wholly dependent on
himself and his abilities but in God.
In the core text for the study, Jeremiah the prophet confessed that man was not “given” the authority
to direct his steps and that the “way” of man is not in himself. This implies that when a man wants to
walk in the right way,he must not depend on his shallow physical senses or trust in any other for
direction. Hence, if we must find our unique paths ordained for us by God, we must then go back to
God to seek with patience this path (Matt. 7:7).
QUESTIONS
1. How can we effectively discover our purpose as foreordained by God? Mk.1:35-38; Lk 4:14-22;
Lk. 18:1; Jos.1:8.
2. Discuss using the highlighted points,the challenges of finding out God'purpose among youths:
· Young age Jer.1:6
· Peer influence
· Fear
· Other plans and ambitions.

Conclusion: It is unfortunate in our day that so many persons wishes to live their lives the way they
want and without the most important question, “Why and for what reason was I created?”. Our
estimation of living is very shallow in our day and the best life lived is measured by how much a man
had acquired and the reputation they have built in their respective careers, but God’s estimation is
beyond these things (Lk 12:15). The Big question is, have you stayed with God and walked patiently
with God to discern the unique path He had made for you?

3. Topic: THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOSTHIGH (GOD’S COVERING IN OUR CALLING)

Text: Jeremiah 1:17-19; Psalms 91:1

Aim of study: To help believers understand that in their born identities, God covers those on his
special mission and becomes a covering over them, making them indestructible.
Memory verse: Psalms 91:1 NKJV" He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty."
INTRODUCTION
In the text of this study, God was assuring Jeremiah of the fact that as long as he would yield to His
call, there is no one; kings, princes, priests and the people, who would be able to prevail against him in

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a fight. This holds true for those who are willing to submit to the calling with which God calls them to
fulfil i.e, those who would walk in their purpose.
In the same vane, the psalmist inferred in his psalm, 91:1 that those who would dwell in God’s secret
place would continually abide under God’s covering and protection. This secret place is beyond just a
place of prayer, but being where God wants you to be at any given time. It is not enough to pray, it is
not enough to study the Bible; these must be crowned in obedience and in walking in the path of
purpose as would be revealed by God as we fellowship with Him.
QUESTION
1. In the light of these scriptures, 1chr. 16:19-22; Isa.54:14-17; Jer. 1:17-19 and Ps. 91:1, discuss
exhaustively, how it relates to the topic in consideration today.
2. Discuss Christ as our typical servant of God and how that His walking in purpose made Him
untouchable before His time. Jn 5:30; 7:25-30
3. Identify why God showed Himself as a cover to His servant, Job. Job 1:1,5-10.
4. Using the scriptures provided, highlight the consequences of not dwelling under the cover of
God? Job 1:11-22; Psalms 91:3-13.
5. How can we dwell in the secret place of the Most High? Ps.24:3-6; Lk 18:1; 2 Thess.5:17; Josh.
1:8.

CONCLUSION: God is committed to be a shield over those who would share and sustain fellowship
with Him and walk in the light of His purpose for them. The same would be for you if you are willing to
submit your will to God and do His. Zec. 2:1-5.

4. TOPIC: ENABLED BY GOD

Aim: To make believers see the need to wait for God to empower them before they launch into
ministry, and depend on Him as their sufficiency.
Text: Jer. 1:9, 2 Cor. 3:4-6
Introduction: The word 'enabled' is a derivation from the root word 'able' which implies that the
ability expressed is given, and not of one's making. Hence, when one is enabled, the authority or
ability he manifests is a chip off the authority of the one who does the enablement. A servant has no
authority, save that which has been delegated by his Master, which aids him to work the master's will.
Therefore, As servants of God, we cannot work the work of God except we're enabled by the one who
is all powerful, to the end that we do his will.
Questions
1. What does it mean to be enabled by God? Matt 10:1-4, Matt. 28:18-20.
2. How does God enable us? Acts 1:7-8, Acts 9:17-22, Matt. 25:14-19, Exod. 4:1-5.
3. Why do we need to be enabled by God? Lk. 22:31-32, 2 Cor. 9:8, Eph. 4:11-14, Exod. 3:9-12,
Lk. 4:18-19.
4. What are the repercussions of going out without being enabled? Acts 19:13-20, 1 Sam. 13:8-14.
5. Can we hinder God’s enabling power in our life? James 4:6, Ex. 4:10-16, Matt. 25:15-19;24-30.

Conclusion: the need for every Christian to be equipped by God cannot be over-emphasized; neither
can the consequences be averted. Let us therefore tarry with God and allow him light us before we go
into the world.
Food for Thought: The enablement of God is to the end that I work his work and not mine.
Memory Verse: Phil. 3:12

5. TOPIC: FINISHING WELL

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Text: 1 Tim. 4:6-8, Jer. 10:21, 23-24
Aim: To make Christians understand that the master's wish is all they should be concerned about.
Introduction: Knowing what to do is one crucial part of living in the eyes of God, and God doesn’t call
us to work on our own accord. He calls us as stewards, to minister according to the master’s wish, with
Christ as a perfect example.(Jn. 16:13-14) He has also given us His Spirit to reveal His will to us, as
well guide us in obeying them at every point in time.
This is the only way we can finish well, a work well pleasing to the Lord. In the world's setting
validation of a service well rendered is largerly given be the recipients of the service, and not
necessarily the taskmaster, as his aim is to please the recipients. Little wonder the statement "The
customer is always right". Surprisingly, God happens to be the taskmaster and the recipient of our
services to him, for we were created to please Him. (Rev. 4:11). This therefore, makes Him the only
one who can validate our work and services to Him.

Topics for Discussions

1. What does it mean to finish well? Acts. 13:36, 2 Tim. 4:7, John 17:11-12; 19:28-30, Lk. 2:25-
30.
2. What can hinder you from finishing well? Lk. 14:28-30, Psalm 90:10-12, 1 Cor. 10:12, Num.
20:7-12, Judges 13:3-5; 16:15-17, 1 Sam. 13:8-14, Col. 3:1-2 Psalm 127:1-4.
3. Crucial determinants of the end:
a. ‘The way’ - Prov. 14:12, Jer. 10:23-24, Jn. 14:14-16, Prov. 3:5-7, Matt. 7:13-14.
b. ‘Obedience’ – Gen. 12:1-4; 22:1-3, Heb. 11:8-10, Num. 20:12,Heb. 3:16-18, 1 Sam. 15:24-
29.
4. Why we must finish well – Jas. 1:12, 2 Jn. 1:8, Heb. 12:1-2, Phil. 1:6, Gal. 6:9

Conclusion: God has designed glorious paths for his children, and has given us His Spirit to guides us
to them, leading us to an expected end. It’s not enough to start well, but to finish well, even if the
beginning may be rough.
Food for Thought: Am I working with God’s expectation or mine?
Memory Verse: Jer. 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (KJV)

6. TOPIC: JESUS THE WAY

Aim: To help us understand that Christ Jesus is the centre of all things and the only way to the Father
who created us and predestined is to walk in unique paths.
Text: Jer.1:5; 1 Peter 1:1-5; Jn 14:6.
Memory verse: John14:6- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me.
INTRODUCTION
As much as we understand that we have a purpose to fulfil, it is not sufficient enough for us to know
and to live out this purpose which God had foreordained for us before the world began.
Before the sacrifice of Jesus, God Himself makes known Himself to His servants and at other times
through His prophets. But in this last days, as it is written, speaks unto us through His Son (Jesus)
(Heb. 1:1-2). This changes the whole scheme of things in the way God operates and relates with His
people. All authority has been given to Jesus and it is only through Him that God can be found in this
new covenant and by no other means (Matt. 28:18).
After that Christ had fulfilled the demand on us and satisfied the divine claims of justice to secure our
salvation, there became only one way to come unto God seeing that God thereafter subjected all
things under His feet (1 cor. 15:27) and that no one can come unto God for any purpose except
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through Him (Jn 14:6). For this reason, any adventure we take in order to find out our purpose in life
would be fruitless without being in Christ. It is written that we are dead and our lives are hid in Christ
and Christ in God. How much more then can we strive to know our relevance in the world without
being in Christ?
QUESTIONS
1. In the light of the following scriptures, discuss the position of Jesus in God's divine order and how
that this directly affects our search for our true “born identities”. 1 Peter 1:1-3; Heb.1:1-9; 1 Cor.
15:22-28; Col.3:3-4; Jn 14:6.
2. Discuss, “the new and the living way...” Heb. 10:19-22.
3. Carefully Examine the scripture and discuss the place of Jesus in Peter coming to know His true
identity in God. Matt.16:13-19; Col. 3:3.
4. Having understood the position of Jesus in the order of God, how can we become numbered in Him
so as to have a legal basis to come unto God for our “born identities” to be revealed to us? Jn 3:3-5;
14-16; Acts 16: 28-34.
Food for thought: Jesus is the only way to God and the only way to get anything from Him.

CONCLUSION
In Christ the fullness of God dwelling bodily, He is all that God offers the human race and it is a we
humans make contact with Him, first believing in His finished work on the cross and maintaining
continuous communion with Him through the Holy Spirit that we gain access into the bounties God has
in store for us: bounties of which our born identities are a major factor.

7. Topic: TRIALS AND TRUBULATIONS

Text: 1 Peter 4:12-16; Jeremiah 1:19; Rom.5:1-5

Aim of study: To help believers understand that trials and tribulations are not a curse but a blessing
allowed by God in the path of our calling in order to bring us to His expected end for us.
Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:12-13- Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial
which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:But rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed,
ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
INTRODUCTION
God did not say that we wouldn't pass through hard times and trials for the sake of our faith and in the
path of our born identities. In fact, there are an integral part of it and it serves as a means by which
we learn patience and character (Rom.5:3-4), become built up in God and a means by which God
proves His might through us. So the word of the Lord to Jeremiah says “And they shall fight against...”.
The word is clear enough but this trials and temptation is not unto our destruction when we walk in the
path of our purpose. For this reason, He said following, “...but they shall not prevail against thee”.
Looking into the book of 1 Peter, a lot was said about trials and tribulations and he encouraged us that
even as our set Man, Jesus, suffered while on earth, that we also who would be led through similar
paths should arm ourselves with the same mind and to be of good courage through the period of these
tribulations. 1 Peter 4:1.
Therefore, it is a call for joy when you walk in your purpose or born identity and you are counted
worthy to be tried and subjected to hardship because this is an access to greater glory in the
appearing of the Lord on the Lord’s day. Acts 5:41-42.
QUESTIONS
1. In the light of the following scriptures, discuss extensively the place of trials and tribulations on
the path of our born identities; Matt.5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Jer.1:19; Rom. 5:1-5.

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 2. Why should we not be discouraged when faced with trials and tribulations for the sake of our
born identities in God? 1 Peter 1:3-7; Ps.23; Isaiah 43:1-2.
3. What should be the true definition of trials and tribulations and what should be our disposition
when faced with trials and tribulations? 1 Peter 18-24; Job 1:6-22; Matt. 5:10-12; 2 Thess.5:16-
18; 2 cor.6:3-8; Rom.12:12,14.
4. From the scriptures provided and from others not mentioned, identify men who in their walk
with God faced notable trials and tribulations and how they came through them. Gen. 37:23-
24; Acts 16:22-26; Rev.1:9; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Cor.11:23-26; etc...

FOOT FOR THOUGHT: Acts 14:22

CONCLUSION: In the view of the above study, we have been able to come to the understanding that
trials are part of what we pass through as we walk in the path of our born identities. It is a call for joy
when we become counted worthy to pass through these trials and tribulations for the sake of Christ.
Therefore, be of good cheer brethren for we are above conquerors through Christ!

8. Topic: CASTING ALL YOUR CARES UPON HIM

Text: 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30; Acts 4:18-31.

Aim of study: To help believers understand that in the midst of the trails and tribulations they face on
the path of their born identities, God provides us Himself to lean upon to be strong enough to
overcome them.
Memory verse: 1 Peter 5:7-Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

INTRODUCTION

In the face of the fact that trials and tribulations are a part of our born identities, we cannot deny the
fact that we are humans and we feel the pain of these trials. In the view of this, God provides us His
rest in Christ Jesus (Isaiah 9:6b).
Apostle Paul in 2 Cor.12 has something to say about it after that God allowed him to be troubled by a
messenger of satan so as to preserve him from being proud over the depth of revelations he had. Yes,
apostle Paul wasn't wrong about the path that he threaded on, neither did he sin to become afflicted:
the series and depth of revolutions he received from God that warranted this tribulation would most
likely not be that he asked for them. Just walking in the purpose of God he became exposed to these
things. However, when he sought the Lord for help, the Lord assured him of the sufficiency of His
grace for him. 2 Cor. 12:9.
In the case of Christ our perfect example (Heb.12:1), He was not left out (1Peter 4:1).God showed us
through Him that passing through trials, tribulations and hardship for the sake of His “born identity” as
it is written, “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, ...(Heb.4:15), therefore we have Chirst to lean on being
that He lived like us and experienced the weakness and limitation of our flesh. And behold the Bible
says that this very same Jesus is now passed into the heavens and is seated at the right hand of
Power. And is made an high priest unto us by the Father to intercede for us. Therefore, Jesus
understand our cares, worries and burdens and He gives a call to us to let them down before
Him.Matt.11:28-30

QUESTION

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1. Jesus being the reflection and perfect representation of the Father in His human form prayed
earnestly. Why? And how does it relate to the topic today? John 1:14; Lk 22:39-46;18:1; Matt. 26:38-
44.
2. Discuss how we ought to cast our cares upon God under the following subjects;
i) Praying in the Spirit and waiting; Isa.40:28-31; Isa.28:11-12; Phil.4:6; Eph.6:18; 5:18:18-20.
ii)The word; Jer.15:15-16; Col. 3:16; Rom.15:4.
iii) Being yoked with Christ and learning of Him. Matt. 11:28-30.
3. Discuss the following scriptures in the light of the subject in focus; Matthew 14:30-32;
2Cor.4:7-9

CONCLUSION: Remembering my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath
them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is
of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new
every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lam. 3: 19-23).

9. TOPIC: TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU

Aim: To help participants understand that our successes in accomplishing our born identities is tied to
taking up the yoke of Christ upon us.
Text: 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11: 28-30.
Memory verse: Matt.11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls.

INTRODUCTION

Taking up the yoke is deliberate. Meanwhile, some comes to God for one reason or the other: most
times for the sake of being delivered from troubles or to get one thing or the other. But there is a
second category of persons who are willing to take up the yoke of God on them. This makes them
fulfill God’s desire and in so doing become transformed into His image.
The advantages of taking up the yoke of God upon us are numerous amongst which are; direction,
peace and rest, divine protection, etc. Notable in our passage today is the provision of rest. There is
peace in Christ (Isa.9:6b; 53:5) and there is rest for our souls when we come to Him being delivered
from the bondage that held us bound in the world. God made us to be dependent on Him and this
happens by our being yoked or tied with Him. This yoking would ensure that we walk and work side by
side with Him and learn His ways.
It is important to know that Jesus who is the apostle and the typical illustration of God unto us as men
has gone before us and perfected His ways before God (Matt.3:17;17:5; Heb.5:7-9) being made the
author of eternal salvation and the head of the body, the Church: so in every way, we are made
subjects to Him in authority (1 Cor.15:27; Col.1:17-20). For this reason, we have no option but to look
upon Him and depend on Him and learn of Him if we must know (Rom.11:33-36), be properly guided
(Jn 14:6; Col.2:3) and come to the end of our born identities.

QUESTIONS

1. What would be the need to take up the yoke of Christ upon us and how would this be necessary for
us to fulfil our “born identities”? Heb.12:1-2; Matt.11:28-30.

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2. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light”, discuss.
3. What does Jesus imply by saying that He is meek and lowly in heart, and how does this serves as an
advantage in being yoked with Him? Matt.11:29.

Food for thought: The accomplishment of our “Born Identities” is only tied to our being yoked with
Him.

10. TOPIC: HOLINESS

Aim: To make believers understand the complete scope of holiness, separation from the world, unto
God and his purposes, and not just an exemption from sin.
Memory Verse: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you," - 2 Cor. 7:16 (KJV).

Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6: 17-18; Jer. 1:9-10.

Introduction: Holiness is a word that has been generally assumed to be moral or religious
righteousness. Looking more into the scriptures, we notice it is also used for other things; ground(Ex.
3:5), hill(Ps. 2:6), nation(2 Pet. 2:9)f, which makes it an adjective, qualifying anything it is used with.
What then does the word 'holy' mean? In the Hebrew language, it is translated 'kodesh', gotten from
the root word 'kadash', which means 'to set apart', and can also be translated as 'consecrated', sacred,
etc. Little wonder why the word 'unto', more often than not, follows after it, indicating it has been set
apart for (unto) something or a purpose, which is God and his purposes.
God in His nature is separate from every other creature. He operates in holiness and in the same way,
anyone and everyone who would walk Him and work for Him must be holy. This is the very reason why
He would send Jeremiah to kings and nations and set them to be subject to him (Jer. 1:10). This is a
great committal to his servant Jeremiah, and for his work to be effective, he must come out from
amongst them and be separate (2 Cor. 6:17). He must be holy even as He Who sent him is Holy (1
Peter 1:16). This is the only way that the name of God would not be blasphemed (1 Tim.6:1; 2 Tim.
2:4-8).

Questions for Discussion

1. What is Holiness? Lev. 20:25-26, 1 Sam. 2:2-3, Exod. 15:11, Ezek. 36:22-23, Deut. 7:6-7.
2. Why should we be holy? 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 1 Pet 2:9, Heb. 12:14, Ps. 24:3-4, Exod. 19:5-6, Deut.
14:2
3. How can one attain and maintain holy life in this corrupt world? Rom. 12:1-3, Exod.30:26-30,
Exod. 40:9-10, 2 Cor. 6: 17-18, Eph. 5:25-27, Jn. 16:16-19.
4. ‘Holiness is only a thing of the Heart', Discuss – 2 Tim. 1:9, Eph. 4:1-2, 1 Pet. 1:15, Lev. 20:26,
1 Sam. 2:3 Dan. 1:6-8.

Conclusion: The God we serve is a holy God, because he is so separate and distinct from every other
of his creation, which is why host of the heavens cannot stop proclaiming his holiness (Rev. 4:8). He
has therefore called us unto holiness, as we cannot do business with the God, except on His terms,
which requires us to be separate from the world (Rom. 8:8), and be set apart as a people unto him
alone.

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Food for Thought: We have been called to holiness, let us therefore walk worthy of the calling we have
recieved.