Living A Purpose Driven Life
Once we learn to live a life thats Christ-centered, then we will understand how we can glorify God in all things. In this way, we can lead a purpose driven life for God.
I was lost seeking worldly things like money, power, women, and status but felt they were trivial because long term they dont matter. I knew we all must face death so I decided to serve a purpose thats bigger than myself. We all want to leave a legacy but I asked myself how can I do that in a way that can truly makes an impact on others lives?
Rick Warren is a pastor and author who wrote the book The Purpose Driven Life. In it, Rick talks about Gods intentions to use our talents to do good in the world and explains Gods 5 purposes for us.
If you want an in-depth understanding of Gods five purposes for us to check out this TED talk by Rick Warren.
C The Branches That Bear Fruit Are Pruned So That They Will Bear More Fruit And Much Fruit
Note the progression: In verse 2, the Father prunes the branches that bear fruit so that they will bear more fruit. In verse 5, the branches that abide in Christ bear much fruit. This points to the process involved in bearing fruit, which takes time. At first, you will bear some fruit. But as time goes on, you should bear more fruit. Finally, the vinedresser wants you to bear much fruit.
To accomplish this, Jesus cleans you with His word and the vinedresser prunes you. Jesus says , You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Clean is the noun in Greek related to the verb prunes in verse 2. As I understand it, Jesus is saying that the word He has spoken to them has already cleaned them in the sense of salvation. Their sins are forgiven. Its comparable to the bath in John 13:10, which cleansed them all over. But the Father further cleans them repeatedly, so that they will become more fruitful. This is comparable to the repeated foot washing that is necessary to walk in fellowship with the Lord. The pruning is the essential discipline that all true children of God must experience if they are to grow the peaceful fruit of righteousness .
But theres one other key concept in these verses that shows our responsibility if we want to bear fruit:
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Those Who Are Called Are Justified
This means that the call referred to here is not the general call that goes out to all men in the preaching of the gospel. If it were, then all who heard the gospel would be justified. For verse 30 says, Those whom he called he justified. If everyone who hears Billy Graham calling them to Christ on the television is called in the sense of Romans 8:30, then they are all justified too. For those whom he called he also justified. But Paul plainly teaches that not all who are called in this general sense are justified. We are justified by faith! . Not all who are called in this general sense have faith, and therefore not all are justified. Yet Paul says in 8:30 that those who are called are justified!
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Exciting Bible Verses About Heaven Kjv
Acts 27:43But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from purpose and commanded that they which could swim should cast first , and get to land:
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to purpose.
Acts 13:36Now when David had served Godâs purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.
1 Thessalonians 4:7For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
Lesson #: You Were Created To Live Life With Purpose
God created you for a purpose. When he considered the world, his sovereignty saw a place for you to not only thrive but make an impact. He knew the generation you would be born into would need your thoughts, words, and creativity. These scriptures on purpose remind us that we were made with a purpose in mind.
- The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, Isaiah 14:24
- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
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Why According To His Purpose
What is Pauls reason for adding this phrase: according to his purpose? I think it was to make perfectly clear and forceful that the call of God originates in Gods purpose, not ours. The call of God is not a response to anything we purposed to do. God has his own high and holy purposes that govern whom he calls, and his call accords with these purposes, not with ours.
He did not drive up to my door and pick me up and bring me to the banquet of Romans 8:28 because it accorded with my purpose of salvation, but because it accorded with his. Had he waited for me to have a purpose of salvation, I would still be watching television at home.
Bible Verses About Your Calling In Life
I cant conclude this blog post without first sharing my absolute favorite quote from this sweet devotional book on purpose that I have been reading. It adequately sums up Gods purpose for our lives. Ultimately though how we live out that purpose is as unique as each individual. We all have different strengths that can be used to help us live out this purpose.
God made you on purpose and with a purpose. That purpose has nothing to do with money, clothes, skin color, family background or how many likes you get on Instagram or Tik Tok. Gods purpose for each of us is to love others and point them back to him and his love. Sadie Robertson
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6
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Key Bible Verses On Gods Will
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:12
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:37
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:1618
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17
And God Sent Me Before You To Preserve A Posterity For You In The Earth And To Save Your Lives By A Great Deliverance ~ Genesis 4: 7
God communicates to you His purpose for your life in various ways, including dreams. This was the case with Joseph in the book of Genesis. Through his dreams he learned that he was to be a ruler though it wasnt clear initially.
Only when he became governor of Egypt, did he get to fully understand the dream after years of preparation. The key learning point is that he was faithful with every assignment he was given along the way.
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Lesson #: Living Life With Purpose Will Glorify God
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
In the end, everything that we do should point others to Jesus. When you have a dream that seems God sized, knowing that you will only be able to do it in Gods strength should be an encouraging reminder that the truth purpose of your dreams will be actualized. Studying these scriptures on purpose encourage us to dream big and step out on faith. If your dream brings God glory, then your purpose is fulfilled.
- The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
- Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3
- So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Speaking In Tongues For Edification
Speaking in tongues in itself can benefit a person. Paul states: He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. 1 Corinthians 14:4. Speaking in tongues can help you express what is in your spirit and which you cannot express with words. Paul makes it clear that the best way to edify the church is to speak prophetically, with plain words that build faith and understanding for all who hear the message. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19.
However, speaking in tongues can also be of profit to all in a Christian assembly if it is interpreted to a common language of those in the gathering: How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:26-27.
When used in this way, the gift of tongues should be used to emphasize and support the spiritual message, and not because you feel strongly moved in your emotions. In this way, others besides the one speaking in tongues will be edified.
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The Lord Of Hosts Has Sworn Saying Surely As I Have Thought So It Shall Come To Pass And As I Have Purposed So It Shall Stand ~ Isaiah 1: 24
You can count on God to be faithful and true to His word no matter what situation youre facing now. If He gave you a promise, He will fulfil it. The only challenge is that you might not know when that it will be it could be weeks, months or years. Whatever the case may be, rest assured that it will happen.
God is sovereign, and will not allow anything whether its a person or situation to frustrate His work in your life. On your part, you have to believe in Him and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
To Everything There Is A Season A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven ~ Ecclesiastes : 1
In life, we go through various seasons and we dont always go through the same seasons as others. Today you could be in your summer season and everything is going great, and tomorrow could be winter.
Understanding the season youre going through at any moment helps you know what you must be doing. If you try to follow other peoples ways that may be in a different season, youll be in trouble.
Thats why comparing yourself to others isnt a good idea because they may be in a different season to yours. What may work for others in a particular season, may prove to be a disaster in your case.
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Your Eyes Saw My Substance Being Yet Unformed And In Your Book They All Were Written The Days Fashioned For Me When As Yet There Were None Of Them ~ Psalm : 16
When it comes to knowing and understanding your life purpose, its a good idea to seek the Lord for guidance. If He is the author of your life, it only makes sense to find out from Him what you ought to be doing. Its simple but not easy to follow for the most part because people like doing their own thing.Ive experienced how frustrating life can be when I wasnt walking in alignment with Gods plan it takes the peace and joy out of your life and I wouldnt want you to experience that. By seeking God and asking for His direction, He will point you in the right direction.
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And Whatever You Do Do It Heartily As To The Lord And Not To Men Knowing That From The Lord You Will Receive The Reward Of The Inheritance For You Serve The Lord Christ ~ Colossians : 23
God is glorified when you work with diligence and a standard of excellence. He is a great and mighty God of high standards and because youre created in His image, you must follow suit. Doing what He created you to do is your highest form of worship and brings a great reward.
Your work ministers to others more effectively than what you say, and gives you the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. People are moved by what they see and if the fruit of your labor is of a high standard, youll get multiple opportunities to minister.
Are there other Bible verses about purpose you might add here? Comment below:
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The Bible Was Written To Inform Its Readers About Gods Nature
There are so many aspects to Gods nature. His character is complex and difficult to understand, but by diving into the Bible, we begin to discover who he is. Stories preserved from the past show us the different aspects of Gods nature.
There are times God becomes angry, like when he sent a flood to wipe out the corrupt people on Earth. In Genesis 6:11-13. Moses writes Now the earth was corrupt in Gods sight and was full of violence.God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.
At the same time, God is compassionate and fair. Because Noah and his family honored God, they were preserved. God told Noah to build an ark to protect his family from the flood. Genesis 7:1 goes on to say The Lord then said to Noah, Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.
God is faithful, documented in the book of Exodus when he equips Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. At the same time, God is just, shown when he doesnt allow Moses to enter the Land of Canaan because he turned from God during his 40 years in the wilderness.
How To Find And Achieve Your Purpose In Life
Graduation is a happy occasion, an important moment in life, and a big achievement. But, it is also a crucial juncture in life. When I was asked to speak at a baccalaureate service for local high school graduates, my message, quoting John Piper, was simple:
Dont waste it. Dont waste your life!
This message is important for us all. Im sure, however, that wasting your life is not at the top of your to-do list. If you are wasting your life, you probably dont mean to be!
You might be wondering thenam I wasting my life? How do I know? Well, in order for something to be wasted it must be spent in such a way that it does not accomplish its intended purpose.
Your life does have a purpose. And if you dont want to waste your life, you need to know what your life is meant for.
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