The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Week 3: Purpose Two — You Were Formed for God's Family (Days 11–18)

Read Days 11–18 of The Purpose Driven Life. Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:19; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 John 4:11–12.

Warren's second purpose — fellowship — challenges the individualism that runs deep in modern Christianity. This week, ask yourself honestly what you are willing to sacrifice for the sake of genuine community.

Discussion Questions

8 questions

1.Warren says, "You were made for community." He argues that the church is not a building or a service but a family — and that God intends for us to experience life deeply together. How does this compare to how most people in your experience actually relate to their local church?

2.Warren distinguishes between "belonging" and "attending" — insisting that showing up is not the same as being in family. Have you ever attended a church without truly belonging to it? What was missing?

3.Day 13 introduces the idea that authentic community requires honesty, humility, and courtesy. Warren lists several "one another" commands from Scripture. Which of these is hardest for you to practice — and what makes it hard?

4.Warren argues that small groups are the primary place where authentic fellowship happens — that a large Sunday gathering cannot replicate the depth of a small circle of people committed to knowing each other. Do you agree? What has been your experience with small group community?

5.Day 16 tackles the reality that community is costly — it involves conflict, disappointment, and the daily friction of imperfect people. Warren says, "Community requires commitment." What is one relationship in your current community that requires more commitment from you than you are currently giving?

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Closing Prayer

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Lord, You exist in perfect, self-giving community — Father, Son, and Spirit. You made us in that image, and yet we so often retreat into isolation, self-sufficiency, or surface-level pleasantries. Forgive us for calling attendance fellowship and calling politeness love. Give us the courage to be known — truly known — and the grace to know others well. Make our communities places where Your family is actually visible to the world. Amen.

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