For our Young Adult group this fall, I’ve written a simple study guide based on the ‘Wide Awake’ book. I will do a series of posts with questions for each chapter. If you are reading the book, I pray this will help you process the material and make it practical to your life*.

Intro: AWAKEN – The Artist

•    What are you excited about in beginning this study just by looking at the title?

Read the ‘AWAKEN’ introduction together and answer the following questions:

•    Are you dissatisfied with your life? Describe why you feel that way.

•    What did Erwin say is the difference between fame and greatness (pg. Xiv)?

•    What do you want to get out of this study? Write down your answer.

* All quotations (besides Scriptures) are by Erwin McManus, taken directly from the book.

As I mentioned in this previous post, we are running in a race for a prize that is eternal. The question begs to be asked, ‘What is the prize?’ Is it heaven? Is it being reunited with our lost loved ones? Is it golfing on the clouds with Moses and Elijah? Is it an eternal chinese buffet where we never gain weight?

Olympic athletes work extremely hard and some win a medal, but their glory does not last forever. What is the prize you are running for? Ponder these verses:

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the  surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8a).

“…I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own…I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12b & 14).

Paul says the prize is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. What does this mean? I believe it refers back to verse 8, which is the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.

There is nothing more valuable than something of surpassing worth. It may sound unfair, but just face it…it will always be better. Our prize at the end of this race is that we can enjoy knowing Jesus for all eternity. The wonder will never cease. The beauty will be electrifying. How amazing.

Does this excite you? If you are more excited for glorified earthly pleasures, you need to begin investing your life into knowing Jesus. This is the greatest joy, the highest pursuit, the most worthy goal.

John Piper says, “Would you be satisfied in heaven if Jesus wasn’t there?”

Definitely a question we all need to face.

I have spent a considerable amount of time watching the Olympics this past week. There is something about it that is incredibly addicting. Sometimes I’m not even that interested, but I realize that I haven’t blinked for 5 minutes or taken a breath. Maybe I need to get outside.

What is it about the Olympics that is so gripping? Why do we all love having conversations about those who win gold medals? I think great stories inspire us. We are amazed at the perseverance, dedication, and singular focus these athletes have towards their goal. We find ourselves coming alive through their success. Check out this verse:

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (I Timothy 4:8).

I want to live for Jesus with more dedication than an olympic athlete has for the gold medal. I want to run with perseverance the race marked out for me. The prize for this race is eternal and everlasting.

You think this is worth living and dying for? What is the prize, you may ask? More on that later.

Recording an album has taught me many things. I have felt weak and inadequate most of the time. The thought has even crossed my mind to do something else with my life. Why is this? When you put your heart on display for people to see, hurt is inevitable.

Anytime you speak, lead worship, sing an original song, perform, lead a small group, witness, basically do anything publicly, the possibility arises for hurt. Does this mean we isolate ourselves to avoid pain? Absolutely not.

Give what you got. Many times we can look at people more gifted than us and despair…give up. Why should I use my gift if [fill in the blank] can do it better?

We’re not all called to have a global ministry, or for artists, a fan base across the world. But we all need to give what we have to make the world a better place. Some artists only have a small following because their music does not appeal to a wide, general audience. This is OK. Give what you have to bless the world, whether its to 5 or 5,000,000. Maybe you need to raise up a small group of 5 to be mature disciples of Christ.

I have chosen to give what I have to reach as many people as I can. In the same way, God wants to use you…but you have step out.