Purpose
We are all created as unique individuals with a one-of-a -kind fingerprint, a voice that can not be duplicated and eyes that can be used for identification. God had a specific reason for creating us this way. It is not just by happenstance. Purpose is the reason behind our lives that gives meaning to the ordinary and leads us into places where supernatural involvement from the Holy Spirit is a necessity. Purpose has “pulling power”. Paul said in Ephesians 3:10-11 that God had an eternal purpose in mind for the work that He has done in us through Jesus Christ.
In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul speaks of pressing and reaching to fulfill that purpose.
Let me give you a few thoughts about purpose and we will return to look more closely at Philippians.
In the dictionary, purpose is defined as the object toward which one strives, the reason. In the Greek it means, the reason and the setting forth of a proposal; the result or desired effect. God has a proposal for you; take a hold of His purpose for your life.
God’s purpose is discovered and then accepted. It is not decided upon through your intellect. It has already been set forth and is waiting for you to press into and to start on this adventure of fulfillment, called the will of God!
Discovery of purpose always begins with the general and moves to the specific. God expects our obedience to the clearly stated instructions of the Word of God before He will lead us into the specifics by His Spirit. We are called to be salt and light. When we get busy loving people and loving God, then we are on the right road.
The Bible says to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together but to encourage each other in love and good works. When we are in church and fellowshipping with believers, the Holy Spirit can show us specifics about our purpose that we would miss if we are not obeying Hebrews 10:22-25.
Purpose requires focus because satan is a master at distractions. Jesus was focused on His purpose: to destroy the works of the devil through His daily life and teachings as well as the cross (I John 3:8).
Purpose is inside revelation. Just because you can spiritualize something, if there is no fruit or anointing, it is not your purpose. Here is an example. When I was a teenager and in my college years, I was “horse crazy”. I rode horses daily. I went to a college that offered a four year equestrian program with world champion horses on the campus. I learned to ride all three of the basic “seats” and most of my waking hours were spent with these beautiful animals. Then Jesus came into my life. I began learning and doing the Word of God. I was beginning to feel the tug of the Holy Spirit leading me in a different direction then I was going. I began to spiritualize my horse career saying that I could reach people with the skill and talent. I could have Bible studies in the stable. The problem was those things were not happening. Rather all my time and money was just going to riding. So after some prayerful commitment to the plan of God, I quit riding and seeking a career in the equestrian field and gave myself to the ministry of teaching the Word of God.
In contrast however, a very close friend of mine, also in the equestrian field, went on to find that her purpose was indeed in this area. She was in the same Bible studies as I was, learning to walk with Jesus as I was and as involved with horses as I was. But God had different plans for her, then me. She went on to become an excellent horsewoman and to disciple many young girls at the stable where she taught riding. She became fruitful for the
Purpose is inside gifting and revelation not a specific field of work. Many mistakenly think that the only way their life will have meaning, is if they are somehow preaching, teaching or pastoring in a church. While I believe that God has something for everyone to do for service in their local church, your purpose may be to make money to fund the gospel. It may be to be salt and light in the world of professional sports or in an extended care home to reach those who are facing death.
In Acts 9:1-6, Saul of Tarsus met Jesus of Nazareth. Saul wisely asked Jesus,
”what would You have me to do?” Saul became the apostle Paul.
In Philippians 3:12-16 Paul is at the end of his ministry and is facing death in a Roman prison. He speaks of continuing to press for the prize; to take a hold of that for which Jesus took a hold of him.
Verse 12 uses the word “apprehend”. This denotes effort. This is not a passive word, but speaks of a pursuit. Police apprehend criminals. The phrase “follow after” which, in the Greek, is also a much more aggressive term, is also used. It is the picture of a seasoned hunter going after the game he wishes to shoot. Paul was fiercely aggressive about laying a hold of and completing the plan of God for his life. In verse 13, he says I reach forth; in verse 14, he again uses the word press. Great effort is required and truly discovering God’s purpose is not for the slothful or the faint of heart.
We who have received Jesus and the gift of life that He gives, have been apprehended for a reason. Now it is up to us to pursue Jesus with effort and determination to find and fulfill that purpose. We must study to show ourselves approved and train like an athlete. The prize is stated in Philippians 3:8-10; to know Him and the power of His resurrection; to hear the words at the end of the age, “well done good and faithful servant”.
This was taken from a sermon preached by Peggy Duda on June 14, 2009 at His Family Church. To get a free copy of the message on CD, just email hisfamilychurch@aol.com
