LIVING WITH PURPOSE

 

1       Introduction

Prov 22:6  “Train up a child in the way he should go.”

·           Way (1870 Strongs) = road, course of life.

·           Should go (1630 Strongs) = path especially suited for that child.

·           Each child has unique mixture of gifts, personality, passions and God designed purpose.

·           People need to discover the unique purpose that they have been created for.

 

2       God has a Unique Destiny Planned for Every Person Born Into the World

Eph 1:11  “… being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after

the counsel of his own will.”

 

a)      Destiny

·       = course or path in life that includes your God given destinations and the journey towards that destination.

·       Predestinate (4309 Strongs) = to mark out an end point or goal beforehand.

·       God knew you and predetermined a purpose for your life.

·       God wanted you and planned for you to connect to his purpose.

·       To fulfil your destiny you must live with purpose and not be passive.

 

b)      Fate

·       People with no sense of God given destiny feel that fate governs them.

·       Fate   = mysterious (negative) force that cannot be controlled that determines the

                 course of your life.  Already decreed, therefore, powerless to change.

                     = 3 goddesses believed to govern birth and life.

·       When people believe in fate they tend to become passive to life.

·       Passive = feels and suffers but takes no action or initiative.

·       People with no purpose become passive and drift through life.

·       Destiny:         - God has designed a course and end point that can be known.

                                 - You can make choices that unfold your purpose and destiny.

 

3       Your Past does not Determine Your Future – Your Choices do

Example:  Judges 11:1-2  Jephthah

·           Jephthah (3316 Strongs) = he will open, break forth, break through.

·           His name described the nature and character and destiny.

·           “A mighty man of valour” Ž warrior, champion, man of great force.

·           His birth did not make him this – his choices did.

·           His birth:

       * Son of a foreign prostitute

       * Not his fault – his shame and reproach

       * Source of rejection (Deut 23:2-3)

       * You don’t choose your birth, family of origin, race, gender

       * You do choose how you respond

·           His unjust treatment:

       * Rejected and despised by family

       * Natural mother; step mother; step brothers; father; authorities

       * You don’t choose what happens to you – do choose how you respond

       * Jephthah – rejected by people – chosen – God’s purpose

·           God often allows people chosen for special purpose to suffer rejection/injustice.

·           Example:  Ps 118:22-23  “Stone the builders rejected is become the head stone of the corner.  This is the Lord’s doing.”

 

4       To Discover Your Purpose You Must Connect with Your Creator

 

Judges 11:1-3

·           Jephthah chose not to be a victim – person suffering without power to act.

Victim mentality – blames the present on the past/on others Ž powerless.

·           Jephthah chose to stand up and fight to live by the sword in wilderness.

“Tob” = good, bountiful place, fruitful place.

·           Jephthah became known for his bravery and courage.

Sword:  Bible picture for the Word of God.

·           Heb 11:32  Jephthah is listed by the Holy Spirit as a man of faith.

       - He connected with God and discovered purpose for living

       - God created him – God had unique purpose for his life

       - God’s purpose was discovered in midst of pressure and adversity

·           To discover your purpose – must connect with God who created.

       - 1 John 3:8  “For this purpose” – Jesus’ life on earth fulfilled God given purpose

 

5       God’s Purpose Unfolds with Time

 

Judges 11:4  “In the process of time”

·           The nation was alienated from God – God desired to deliver them but used an illegitimate exile.

·           You must prepare yourself or your timing never comes.

·           God gives you directions one step at a time but all steps are connected to unfolding his purpose.

·           Steps that you take under direction of Holy Spirit Ž lead to fulfilling destiny.

·           1 Peter 5:6   Humble self under mighty hand of God – exalt you in due time.

·           God prepares men for the purpose he has called them to.

·           God uses troubles to work for our advancement – develops character.

·           You must choose how you respond – determines time of coming forth.

·           Gal 6:9  “…  for in due season we shall reap if we don’t faint.”

 

6       God’s Purpose is Connected to People and Relationships

 

·           Judges 11:3   Vain people went out with him

·           Judges 11:5   Elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah

·           God’s purpose always involves relationships with people.

a)   People drawn to us – relate closely.

b)   People who have treated us unjustly.

 

Ž Don’t despise, reject people who treat you unjustly – one day you may need them.

Ž When faced with ill treatment – leave the outcome to God.

 

 

 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

 

 

Cell Leaders:  Don’t try to answer all the questions.  Keep in mind the point of message ie, our society has many values that are actually ungodly and we as Christians must know what God says if we are able to live Godly lives.

 

 

Judges 11:1-11

 

 

1       If you were in a lot of trouble, who would you call for help and why?

 

2       Who are the people involved in this story?  What do we know about them?

 

3       What sorts of feelings/attitudes do you think Jephthah had to breakthrough to become a ‘mighty man’?

 

4       What sorts of things do you think went through Jephthah’s mind when the same people who had rejected him turned around and asked for his help?  What does it say about Jephthah in his response to their request?

 

5       What can you learn from Jephthah?

a)   What things in your past have you had to breakthrough?  How did you do it?

b)   How much does the past affect your life currently?

c)   What things from your past do you believe you need to break free from?