The past few days we have examined purpose and meaning for life. We found (from Rick Warren) that life is a test, a trust and a temporary assignment. We know that God allows both difficulties and blessings in our life to build and reveal character. We know that our time on earth is brief compared to eternity. We seek treasure in heaven that will last. Our goal is to hear 'Well done! Good and faithful servant! You have used the talents and resources I loaned you well for my glory, so I will entrust you with more! Come join the party!"
This answers the question of how we should approach our lives. But why did God make us? How do we bring him glory? Let's review some great verses that help us understand our purpose.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. (Colossians 1: 16)
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28: 19)
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me....Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25: 34-36, 40)
Jesus Prays for All Believers-- “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23)
Let's return to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. He summarizes how we fulfill our purpose to bring glory to God by--worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. You can explore each topic in his book or at his website: www.purposedriven.com
So we are to love God, find our purpose in bringing him glory, love Christians, help the needy, grow God's kingdom by teaching others of God's love and be unified as the body of Christ.
Jesus continues his prayer for believers. Take heart...
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.
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