FORWARD
I Am Designed for a Purpose — Session 2
Serve Like Jesus
Main Idea:
God designed you with a purpose. Part of that purpose is learning to serve others with humility—not for attention, likes, praise, or recognition, but because we love God and want to reflect Jesus.
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:1–4
Also Read: Philippians 2:3–5
START HERE: YOUR STORY
Think about your life as if it were a book.
Take a few minutes and answer honestly:
- What would the title of your life be right now?
- What kind of story would it be—comedy, drama, adventure, mystery, or something else?
- What would you call the chapter of life you are in right now?
- What do you hope the next chapter will be about?
- What kind of person do you want to become?
- What makes someone's story worth listening to?
Think about this:
We all want our lives to matter. We want to be noticed, valued, and remembered. But what if your life isn't really about making yourself the "main character"?
What if your story is really about knowing God, following Jesus, and living out the purpose He designed for you?
WATCH
You have access to the videos for this study.
1. Watch the "FORWARD" Theme Video
As you watch, think about these questions:
- What does the word calling mean to you?
- Do you think everyone has a purpose? Why?
- What do you think it means to live for something bigger than yourself?
Write down one thing from the video that stood out to you:
2. Watch the Main Lesson Video
As you watch, listen for what Jesus teaches about serving, humility, and our motives.
Write down one thing you learned:
PEOPLE TO KNOW
Jesus
Jesus is the Son of God, Creator and Savior of the world, and the One we are called to follow. He taught His disciples how to live in a way that honors God.
The Father
God the Father is the eternal Creator and Ruler of all. Jesus teaches us that our lives should ultimately be lived for Him.
PLACE TO KNOW
The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5–7 records one of Jesus' most important teachings, known as the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus taught His followers what it looks like to live differently from the world around them.
READ GOD'S WORD
Read Matthew 6:1–4 slowly.
Then read Philippians 2:3–5.
Before moving on, ask yourself:
What do these verses teach me about the way I should treat other people?
Write your thoughts:
DIG DEEPER
1. Matthew 6:1
Jesus warns us about doing good things simply so other people will notice us.
Why do you think it can be tempting to want people to notice the good things we do?
2. Matthew 6:3–4
Jesus talks about giving without looking for recognition.
What does this teach you about the kind of heart God wants us to have when we serve others?
3. Philippians 2:3–5
Paul tells believers to value others and look beyond themselves.
Why can humility be difficult?
How is this different from what our culture often teaches us?
4. Think about social media.
How can likes, comments, followers, awards, or attention make us feel like we need to be the "main character"?
5. Why do you think we sometimes want attention for the good things we do?
6. What does it mean to put God at the center of your story?
7. How can serving someone without receiving recognition help you become more like Jesus?
ME: LOOK AT YOUR HEART
Be completely honest with yourself.
Where are you most tempted to make yourself the "main character"?
Think about:
- School
- Sports
- Friendships
- Social media
- Your talents
- Your appearance
- Your accomplishments
- Church
- Your family
Where do you most want people to notice you?
Think about this situation:
Someone else gets recognized for something you also worked hard on.
How do you usually feel?
What does your reaction reveal about your heart?
WE: WHAT COULD CHANGE?
Imagine if your classroom, sports team, friend group, or family was filled with people who served like Jesus.
They weren't trying to be the most popular.
They weren't looking for attention.
They weren't trying to get credit.
They simply looked for ways to help others.
How do you think that would change the environment?
How could your actions influence the people around you?
Could serving quietly actually point people toward Jesus?
Why or why not?
REMEMBER THIS
The world often tells us:
"Make yourself known."
"Get noticed."
"Get more likes."
"Be the best."
"Make your story about you."
But Jesus shows us a different way.
Jesus teaches us that our significance isn't found in how many people notice us.
Our purpose isn't about getting applause.
God sees what other people don't see.
When we serve others with humility, we reflect Jesus.
You don't have to be the center of attention to have a life that matters.
You were designed by God for a purpose—and that purpose includes loving Him, loving others, and serving like Jesus.
LET'S APPLY IT
Now make it personal.
Your Challenge This Week
Think of one person you can serve this week.
It could be:
- Someone in your family
- A classmate
- A teacher
- A friend
- A teammate
- A neighbor
- Someone at church
My Person:
One way I can serve them:
When will I do it?
Will I do it even if nobody notices?
Yes / No
Why?
ONE LAST QUESTION
Before you finish, answer this:
What is one thing you want to change about the way you serve others?
PRAY
Take a few minutes to pray.
Ask God to:
- Help you put Him at the center of your life.
- Help you become more humble.
- Help you notice people who need encouragement or help.
- Help you serve without needing attention.
- Help you live out the purpose He designed for you.
My Prayer
Write your own prayer to God:
THIS WEEK'S FORWARD CHALLENGE
Don't wait for someone to notice.
Find one opportunity to serve someone this week.
Do it quietly.
Do it sincerely.
Do it because you want to reflect Jesus.
God sees it—even when nobody else does.
FORWARD:
Live for something bigger than yourself.
Serve like Jesus.
Live out the purpose God designed you for.
