Why Are You Here?
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Bible Study · Leader’s Guide

Saved for a Purpose

If God has saved us by His grace, what are we supposed to do with the life He’s given us? A six-part study for small groups, with a leader’s guide.

About 45–60 minutes, plus discussion. Primary Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8–10, Philippians 1:21–25, John 15:1–8, 2 Corinthians 5:9–10, and 2 Timothy 4:6–8.

Part 1 · 5 min

Why are we still here?

If you’ve received salvation through Jesus Christ, and to depart this life means being with Him, why are you still here? Why hasn’t God simply called you home?

I believe Scripture gives us an answer. Our salvation is not the end of our earthly purpose. In many ways, it’s the beginning.

Tonight we’ll examine what Scripture says about why we’re here, what God expects of us, and what we’ll have to answer for when we stand before Him.

Discussion

  1. Why do you believe God allows us to remain on earth after we’ve been saved?

Let’s begin by establishing what Scripture tells us about salvation itself.

Part 2 · Ephesians 2:8–10 · 10 min

Saved by grace, created for works

Read Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV) (opens in a new tab)

Paul first tells us that salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace, received through faith — not something we earn.

But immediately afterward, in verse 10, Paul says we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

We are not saved by our works, but we are saved for good works. Having received salvation, God calls us to live differently.

Discussion

  1. What is the difference between doing good works to earn salvation and doing them because we’ve been saved?
  2. What do you think Paul means when he says God prepared good works for us beforehand?
Grace is the source of our salvation. Good works are part of its intended fruit.

Key takeaway

If God has created us for good works, what does that mean for the time we have left on earth?

Part 3 · Philippians 1:21–25 · 10 min

To live is Christ

Read Philippians 1:21–25 (ESV) (opens in a new tab)

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul recognizes that departing to be with Christ would be far better — yet remaining alive means fruitful labor.

In verse 24 he says remaining in the flesh is more necessary for the believers he serves. His continued life has a purpose beyond himself.

We ought to consider that same principle in our own lives.

Discussion

  1. What do you think Paul means by “to live is Christ”?
  2. If we genuinely believed our remaining time was an opportunity to serve God, how might our priorities change?
Our remaining time is an opportunity for fruitful service to Christ and others.

Key takeaway

What does Jesus Himself tell us about bearing fruit?

Part 4 · John 15:1–8 · 10 min

Bearing fruit for Christ

Read John 15:1–8 (ESV) (opens in a new tab)

Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His disciples as the branches. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it must remain connected to the vine.

In verse 5 Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Our good works aren’t simply the result of our own determination — they come from abiding in Christ.

And in verse 8, bearing much fruit glorifies the Father.

Discussion

  1. What does it mean to abide in Christ?
  2. How do we distinguish genuine spiritual fruit from simply being busy with religious activities?

Optional supporting verse: Galatians 5:22–23 (opens in a new tab) — The fruit of the Spirit.

Our purpose is not simply to accomplish things for God, but to remain in Christ and bear fruit that glorifies Him.

Key takeaway

Scripture teaches that our works matter — and that we will give an account of our lives.

Part 5 · 2 Corinthians 5:9–10 · 10 min

We will give an account

Read 2 Corinthians 5:9–10 (ESV) (opens in a new tab)

“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body.”

The decisions we make, the way we treat people, the opportunities we have to serve, and how we respond to God’s Word all matter.

We are not saved by our works, so this is not earning our way into heaven. Rather, our lives before Christ are not inconsequential. We are accountable for how we live.

Discussion

  1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that believers will stand before Christ?
  2. If you stood before the Lord tomorrow, what would you wish you had done differently with the time He gave you?

Optional supporting reading: 1 Corinthians 3:11–15 (opens in a new tab) — Paul describes how our work will be tested, distinguishing the testing of work from salvation itself.

Salvation is freely given by grace, but our lives and actions still matter before God.

Key takeaway

I want to close with the words of a man who knew his earthly life was nearing its end.

Part 6 · 2 Timothy 4:6–8 · 5 min

Finishing the race

Read 2 Timothy 4:6–8 (ESV) (opens in a new tab)

Near the end of his life Paul writes: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He didn’t merely begin the race. He finished it.

We don’t know how much time God has given us. But we know He has called us to follow Him, to love one another, and to bear fruit — and that one day we will stand before Him.

Final question

  1. Why has God kept you here, and what would He have you do with the time He’s given you?

Closing thought

We cannot earn our salvation through good works. But having received the extraordinary gift of God’s grace, shouldn’t we desire to devote our lives to the One who saved us?

Don’t merely ask what God can do for you. Ask what He would have you do for Him. And may we all one day be able to say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Close in prayer.

Three things to remember

  1. We are saved by grace, not works.
  2. We are called to bear fruit through Christ.
  3. We are accountable for how we live.
What am I doing with the time God has given me?

Optional Scriptures

Use these only if the discussion naturally leads there.