The document discusses the importance of understanding the "big picture" of life, which is knowing God's overarching plan and purpose as revealed in the Bible. It helps answer life's big questions and allows us to focus on what truly matters rather than being confused or worldly. While cultural influences can distract from God's will, the big picture is all about Jesus, as seen through his life, death for our sins, resurrection, and future return. Understanding the gospel message of salvation through faith in Christ is key to comprehending our purpose of living for God rather than ourselves.

1. Looking at the Big Picture
Why is Knowing the Big Picture Important for Us?
Knowing the Big Picture helps us to answer the question, “What does God say life is all about?”
It Also Helps Us to Answer Some of Life’s Big Questions
1. Why did God create me?
2. What is the purpose of life?
3. What is God’s will for me?
4. How do I decide what is important in life?
Not knowing the Big Picture can leave us confused and disoriented a lot of times due to the
busyness of life, the information overload we experience, and the crazy chaotic world we live in.
The Big Picture helps us to see what is truly important so that we can make the wisest and best
choices in all areas of our lives.
Some Dangers to Consider
But before we look at the big picture there are some dangers you need to be aware of that can
keep you from focusing your life as God wants you to.
Frog in the Boiling Pot Syndrome
Frog thrown into a boiling pot will try to get out but if they are put in a pot with cold water and have
the temperature slowly increased they will not notice and will boil to death.
There are influences that have the same affect on us spiritually from the times and cultures we live
in.
Dangerous Influences
1. Materialism
2. Individualism
3. Relativism
4. Pragmatism
5. Consumerism
These influences result in making us very worldly and self-centered in orientation and thinking.
Being focused in this way results in us only being interested in is our story and wanting God to
become part of our story and make it better. But that is not what God intended!
Romans 11:36 (NLT)
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to
him forever! Amen.
Mark 8:35 (NIV)
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the
gospel will save it.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
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2. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died
for them and was raised again.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in
the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Paul Tripp
“We were created to live for something, someone bigger than ourselves. We were designed to live
with, for, and through the Lord. God is meant to be the motivation and hope of everything we do.
His pleasure, his honor, and his will are the things for which we are meant to live. But the
foolishness of sin really does cause us to reduce our lives to the size and shape of our lives.”
The Big Picture
Jesus
  
  
Gospel  Church  Mission
The Story
1. Eternity Past
2. Creation
3. Rebellion
4. Rescue
5. Incarnation
6. Redemption - the Cross
7. Reconciliation
8. Restoration
9. Jesus Returns
10. Renewal
Instead of being created to have our own story God created us for Himself and to be a part of His
story but we turned away from Him to be our own gods and that is how everything got so messed
up.
As we see it’s not about us, it’s about Jesus! Even Jesus said this!
John 5:39 (NLT)
“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to
me!
Luke 24:25-27 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets
wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these
things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the
prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
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3. How we come to know Jesus
The Bible

The Gospel

Jesus
Hebrews 1:2-3 (NIV)
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and
through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact
representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…
Matthew 25:31-33, 46 (NLT)
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his
glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as
a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the
goats at his left… “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into
eternal life.”
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
It’s About Jesus!!! Trinity Symbol
1. Jesus created the universe
2. Jesus sustains all things
3. Jesus will inherit all things Jesus
4. Jesus will judge everyone   
5. Jesus will be King over all   
Gospel  Church  Mission
Remember this! Whenever you see Jesus know that the Father and the Holy Spirit are
involved as well. They are the Trinity and are always in unity and harmony.
The Trinity and the Gospel
1. The Father established the eternal plan of salvation and sent His Son.
2. Jesus fulfilled the plan and accomplished redemption for man.
3. The Spirit applies the benefits of Christ’s atonement to believers.
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